Marc Diakiese returns to the Octagon for the first time since sustaining the first loss of his career last July against Drakkar Klose.

The highly touted lightweight prospect will face another up and coming fighter in New Zealand’s Dan Hooker. The pair throw down on 30th December 2017 at UFC 219 in Las Vegas.

Official fight announcement! Dan Hooker vs Marc Diakiese UFC 219, December 30, Las Vegas. pic.twitter.com/k1jRQuqC0D — Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) October 23, 2017

Hooker posted the above tweet on his Twitter tonight and SevereMMA.com confirmed the news with sources close to the fight.

American Top Team’s Diakiese believes it’s an excellent match up for him and says he’s relishing the prospect of getting back to winning ways after the Klose loss at The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption Finale last July.

“It feels great to be back, to prove my worth, because I know what I’m worth. I’m going to go out there and do my job. Do what I do best. The journey continues”, Marc told SevereMMA

The pair engaged on social media with Hooker asking for the fight to be made. Diakiese says he didn’t hesitate, and bout agreements have now been signed.

“He started talking shit. So, I asked for the fight, and I’m looking forward to it,” said Diakiese.

“The Hangman” is coming off a victory over Englishman Ross Pearson at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Hunt last June.

UFC 219 currently has no main event in place but has a number of exciting bouts that have been added to the fight card including Dom Cruz taking on Jimmie Rivera, Carlos Condit vs Neil Magney and more.

You can check out all our videos with Diakiese from over the years in the playlist below: