Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at undefeated Englishman Marc Diakiese as he debuts against Lukasz Sajewski at UFC 204 in Manchester, England. Marc “Bonecrusher” Diakiese Hometown: Doncaster, England Age: 23 Height: 5’10” Reach: 72” Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: Atherton Submission Wrestling Career Record: 9-0 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background Englishman Marc Diakiese has had an excellent start to his MMA career winning all nine of his professional fights including his last two by first round knockouts. Strengths
- Very athletic
- One punch knockout power in his right hand
- Can work in takedowns either with body lock or switch to a double leg
- Uses athleticism to transition well on the mat to different positions
- Confident fighter
- If is unable to land an early knockout, he has no issue switching to the grappling
Weaknesses
- Struggles to hold down opponents when secures a takedown
- Susceptible to knees when going for takedowns
- Question marks on chin
Matchup against Lukasz Sajewski Marc Diakiese makes his debut against Polish lightweight Lukasz Sajewski at UFC 204. There’s a lot of hype around the Englishman as he’s finished his last two opponents within a combined one minute. Sajewski’s best the chance to win this fight is on the ground latching in an arm bar. On the feet, he’s really not a threat to Diakiese at all. Sajewski hasn’t scored a knockout since 2008 and doesn’t have the striking technique or power to do that in this fight. Diakiese has the athleticism, creativity, and power on the feet to be an absolute nightmare for Sajewski. Diakiese is also the better grappler with a solid wrestling base, but in this fight he doesn’t need to use it given the striking advantage. This is a true showcase fight for Diakiese as he holds the advantage in every facet of the fight. Look for the Englishman to get the finish and for the hype train to continue on. I’ll be eyeing Diakiese in this bout depending on the price. UFC Ceiling Diakiese has one of the highest ceilings of any fighter to enter the UFC’s lightweight division in the last couple years. It all starts with his stand up. His athleticism and movement reminds is fantastic. Once he leaps in and lands the big overhand right he can put an opponent out with ease. If he doesn’t land the big strike, he can quickly adjust to a grappling heavy approach where he uses that athleticism well to setup takedowns from a variety of stances. At only 23 years of age, there’s a lot to be excited about regarding this fighter. Seasoning will be important for him as he is in the deepest division in the sport. There’s no need to rush him as he’s still very young. The one concern is his chin. He was nearly finished by Jack McGann and it took him some time to recover from the knee in the clinch despite going on to win the fight. If Diakiese can improve his striking defense, there’s no doubt he’ll move up into the lightweight rankings at some point in the next couple years. Fight Film Check out Marc Diakiese in some of his most recent fights: Marc Diakiese vs. Jack McGann Marc Diakiese vs. Kane Mousah Marc Diakiese vs. Rick Selvarajah