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http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/10/...ct-vs-lukasz-sajewski-uk-lightweight-mma-news
Who is Marc Diakiese?
“Bonecrusher” is a 23-year-old lightweight from Doncaster, England. He trains mainly out of Atherton Submission Wrestling, home of Scott Askham and Mike Wilkinson. But, he’s also spent time over at Allstars in Sweden (although it’s unlikely he trained for this fight there, considering it’s Madadi’s home camp). Diakiese is coming to the UFC with a perfect 9-0 record, built largely out of BAMMA in the UK. He’s the organization’s reigning lightweight champion, having defended the belt twice. While Diakiese’s early record is nothing of note, he’s been tearing up the UK prospect scene lately, having been the first loss on Jack McGann’s, Rick Selvarajah’s, and Kane Mousah’s records. He’s also started finding more finishing form lately, with his last two wins by first round KO. Outside of MMA, Diakiese is a BJJ purple belt.
What you should expect:
Diakiese is a great example of the potential of the ‘MMA Native’ in the modern sport. An exciting flashy striker who is learning the more intricate tools of the stand up game, and in the mean time has been a very willing and athletic wrestler. In his early career, Diakiese’s style could best be described as reckless, throwing awkward, powerful kicks from unexpected angles, lunging in for big strikes, and then pushing for high amplitude takedowns. A lack of consistent technical application and control has been a problem in that style, but it’s one that he’s been able to compensate for with relentless pace and athleticism. In just about every Diakiese fight there’s at least one moment that makes me wonder how he manages to do the things he does.
To bridge the potential technical gaps, Diakiese has a knack for filling transition spaces with strikes to keep opponents honest. And as time has gone on, his striking has become more structured. He feints with more authority, is building a jab, and is a better defensive fighter every time out. Because of that structure he’s translating his speed and athleticism to real stopping power. If those improvements continue the way they have, Diakiese has all the tools he needs to charge to the top of the lightweight division.
What this means for his debut:
Sajewski is a trickier than advertised as a tough and functional striker with a good grappling game and some decent wrestling. He even has a win over Marcin Held to his credit. The problem is that the athletic disparity is just so wide. Sajewski has looked physically at a loss against both Nick Hein and Gilbert Burns. There’s nothing to suggest that Diakiese would be a step down from either of them. The biggest danger is that if Diakiese decides to press his wrestling game against Sajewski, his habit of sacrifice throws and loose positional control could really cost him. But, as long as he keeps a solid base and looks to strike this fight should be his to lose.
Who is Marc Diakiese?
“Bonecrusher” is a 23-year-old lightweight from Doncaster, England. He trains mainly out of Atherton Submission Wrestling, home of Scott Askham and Mike Wilkinson. But, he’s also spent time over at Allstars in Sweden (although it’s unlikely he trained for this fight there, considering it’s Madadi’s home camp). Diakiese is coming to the UFC with a perfect 9-0 record, built largely out of BAMMA in the UK. He’s the organization’s reigning lightweight champion, having defended the belt twice. While Diakiese’s early record is nothing of note, he’s been tearing up the UK prospect scene lately, having been the first loss on Jack McGann’s, Rick Selvarajah’s, and Kane Mousah’s records. He’s also started finding more finishing form lately, with his last two wins by first round KO. Outside of MMA, Diakiese is a BJJ purple belt.
What you should expect:
Diakiese is a great example of the potential of the ‘MMA Native’ in the modern sport. An exciting flashy striker who is learning the more intricate tools of the stand up game, and in the mean time has been a very willing and athletic wrestler. In his early career, Diakiese’s style could best be described as reckless, throwing awkward, powerful kicks from unexpected angles, lunging in for big strikes, and then pushing for high amplitude takedowns. A lack of consistent technical application and control has been a problem in that style, but it’s one that he’s been able to compensate for with relentless pace and athleticism. In just about every Diakiese fight there’s at least one moment that makes me wonder how he manages to do the things he does.
To bridge the potential technical gaps, Diakiese has a knack for filling transition spaces with strikes to keep opponents honest. And as time has gone on, his striking has become more structured. He feints with more authority, is building a jab, and is a better defensive fighter every time out. Because of that structure he’s translating his speed and athleticism to real stopping power. If those improvements continue the way they have, Diakiese has all the tools he needs to charge to the top of the lightweight division.
What this means for his debut:
Sajewski is a trickier than advertised as a tough and functional striker with a good grappling game and some decent wrestling. He even has a win over Marcin Held to his credit. The problem is that the athletic disparity is just so wide. Sajewski has looked physically at a loss against both Nick Hein and Gilbert Burns. There’s nothing to suggest that Diakiese would be a step down from either of them. The biggest danger is that if Diakiese decides to press his wrestling game against Sajewski, his habit of sacrifice throws and loose positional control could really cost him. But, as long as he keeps a solid base and looks to strike this fight should be his to lose.