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Diakiese
Diakiese celebrates Mousah win (c) BAMMA / Marc Moggridge 2016. Not to be used without permission.

With the chance to fight in front of their home crowd this was as good an opportunity as any for the few chosen British fighters to sieze the moment and make a name for themselves. Step forward Marc Diakiese.

Diakiese made his UFC debut against Lukasz Sajewski and what a time to do it. Seemingly nerveless from start to finish, the 23-year-old put on a debut performance to be proud.

The former BAMMA man wasted no time as the fight started, sprinting across the cage at his opponent. The first round did not go as planned for the UFC newcomer though, Sajewski seizied on a moment of hesitation and got a clinch which resulted in an easy takedown.

The Pole began to make his move on the ground achieving side control and then full mount briefly before Diakiese scrambled, manging to find a way to his feet. The Doncaster based fighter showed he wasn’t going to roll over and allow himself to be neutralised and a moment of brilliance saw him turn Sajewski’s guillotine attempt into a wrestling style slam John Cena would be proud of.

However the ASW man once again found himself back on the mat before the end of the round which saw Sajewski secure the first round rather comfortably.

The Brit appeared to be taking big gulps of breath between the two rounds but those deep breaths looked to be preparing him for something special.

As the second round got underway Diakiese caught his second wind with Sajewski looking sluggish. The tide began to change as the former British champion’s strikes began to fly, a number of heavy right hands started to connect and soon enough Diakiese smelt blood.

It was clear that the 25-year-old had seemingly run out of gas and was struggling to protect himself. It didn’t take long before the Brit went in for the kill, forty seconds from the bell Diakiese bombarded his opponent with a flurry of punches and with the Pole struggling to defend himself.

A number of punches and knees connected before Sajewski slumped down against the cage leaving the referee no choice but to intervene.

Speaking in his post-fight interview he described what it meant to make his UFC debut: “This is the best feeling in the world,” I’ve worked so hard for this moment and now it’s here and I’m starting to enjoy it. I’ve got great fans behind me, the support is amazing”.

Despite this only being his first fight under the UFC banner, the new boy on the block didn’t mix his words and already looks to have his eyes set on that championship belt. “I’m going to work to bring the belt to the U.K. for the fans. In the UFC, you’ve got to entertain. U.K. fans like to see great fights, and that’s what I’m looking to give them. Whatever UFC gives me next, I’m here. I’m looking to take on anybody and clean up the division.”

He may still be a long way from a title shot, but there’s no harm in dreaming. Meanwhile, Conor McGregor challenges Eddie Alvarez for the 155lb title at UFC 205 in New York City on November 12.

From last night’s performance it is clear that Diakiese has a bright future ahead of himself in the UFC however there will no doubt be better opponents for him to overcome as he climbs the ranks.