Marc Diakiese vs. Rafael Fiziev, July 18
If you’re a fan of all-out striking battles between fighters with a penchant for the spectacular, sit back, glue your eyelids open and prepare to enjoy [autotag]Marc Diakiese[/autotag] taking on [autotag]Rafael Fiziev[/autotag].
Diakiese (14-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) was originally set to face off against Brazil’s Alan Patrick, but after the Brazilian was forced off the card, the UFC drafted in Tiger Muay Thai-based Russian Fiziev (7-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) and created a bout with even more potential for chaos.
When he’s firing on all cylinders, Diakiese is one of the most explosive, spectacular strikers you’ll find. His combination of speed, power and the ability to launch into spectacular techniques at the drop of a hat has seen him claim some stunning finishes during his career, including his highlight-reel knockout of Teemu Packalen in London back in 2017.
OHHHH MYYYYYY!!!! @Marc_Diakiese STIFLES Packalen w/ a right hand in the FIRST ROUND! What. A. KO!!! #UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/c9wPu0j1uW
— UFC (@ufc) March 18, 2017
A change in training camp coincided with a three-fight skid, but after returning home to the UK to set up a new training camp, Diakiese has rediscovered his mojo, and in 2019 he righted the ship with decision wins over fellow strikers Joseph Duffy and Lando Vannata.
Now, after bouts with Stevie Ray, Jai Herbert and Patrick all fell through, Diakiese faces Fiziev, who edged a back-and-forth battle with Alex White in his last outing in October last year. He loves nothing better than to stand and bang, and Diakiese will likely be more than happy to oblige him.
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Next up: A rearranged UFC London bout promises fireworks aplenty