Rising MMA star Marc Diakiese isn’t scared of taking on the world.
The 23-year-old talent is touted as the ‘future of British MMA’ and proved some of the hype is warranted with another impressive stoppage on his UFC debut.
The former BAMMA lightweight champion said he was coming for the 155 belt before his fight with Lukasz Sajewski and after he finished the Pole with a flurry of punches, he reaffirmed that vow.
But the former Leeds United youngster again underlined how serious he was about becoming UFC lightweight world champion.
Ariel Helwani was astonished with the Yorkshireman’s answer when he asked how many ‘years or fights’ he is away from the title discussions on the MMA Hour.
“Probably another two fights. It depends who they give me. Obviously that’s how I’m going to feel. Confidence is key.
”I don’t really like to talk crap, but this is me – I like to be honest.”
But asked who he wants to fight next in the UFC and ‘The Bonecrusher’ has his sights set equally high – on some serious lightweight contenders on the historic UFC 205 card in New York.
“It depends, he said. ”Whenever they want me out I’ll be out there again.
“I’m never unfit. I’m always training, so whenever the feel like calling me in or jump in for Michael Johnson or whoever, I’ll be there.”
On his debut! In his hometown! @Marc_Diakiese gets the victory at #UFC204! https://t.co/YJB5Pw7dns
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) October 9, 2016
That’s Michael Johnson who’s coming off a KO against Dustin Poirier who’s fighting the unbeaten Russian beast Khabib Nurmagomedov, by the way.
Helwani said ”you’re talking the creme de la creme, the tops guys” and he quipped back with a cheeky smile ”I am the top guy”.
“I’m not being over confident. But at the end of the day the fight doesn’t make a difference. A fight is a fight, it doesn’t take no levels. You’re fighting – the best man wins. That’s how I see it.
”If they give me a fight and want me to fight I’ll fight anybody.”
You’ve got to admire his balls, you really do.
Catch up with the latest episode of Football Friday Live right here…
