It's been five years since Marc Diakiese entered the UFC - but he's not happy with his time in MMA's top promotion.
After nine wins, including a spectacular KO of Kane Mousah on the bounce, the former BAMMA 155lb champ entered this promotion with a lot of hype.
Marc Diakiese made a debut in the octagon at UFC 204
in October 2016.
.
The Brit-born Congolese citizen, who won three consecutive victories in mixed martial art's premier promotion, couldn't have begun better. He also scored a viral KO against Teemu Packalen.
However, his ascension in the ranks was stopped by a three-fight skid that saw him lose to Drakkar Klose and Dan Hooker, divisional standouts.
After winning decision victories over Joseph Duffy, Lando Vanatta and Rafael Fiziev, the Bonecrusher rebounded.
Diakiese, upon reflection, is thankful for the life he has been able provide his family and loved ones while he was back in competition in mixed martial arts' elite promotion.
He's not content with what he does in the Octagon.
SunSport spoke with The Bonecrusher, who said: "It's been great [being part of the UFC for five year]." It's also taught me a lot.
"A lot of fallsouts, many things that have occurred through it.
"I've experienced breakups and done many things because of it. But I am grateful to be able be in the UFC, and to do what I love.
"Being here allows me to help my mom, buy my house and drive my own car. Things I couldn't afford before are now possible.
"I'm now in Vegas and I never imagined I'd be here talking to you guys.
"So I am grateful to be able have things I couldn't afford before. I'm able to help people I didn't think I could.
"Now, I can help. My brother has gone to school. They've both completed school through what I do.
"So, I'm happy. Although I'm not there where I want to be, I'm happier than I would have been.
"So, I'm thankful for all that I have in life through the UFC."
Diakiese now has financial security for his family and is aiming to combine it with the lightweight division's elite.
According to the 28-year old, "Everything I wanted to do, it feels like I've already done it."
"Right now the only thing on my mind right now is to enter them [sic] rankings, and slowly climb up to their belt.
"That's my only goal. Because that was what I had in mind. It's my goal to join the ranks, and it's now like "Okay, we must work towards that."
"Because you cannot just be in UFC to be in it. It is not enough to just be a UFC fighter.
"You must set goals, climb up and try to reach the top [and get the belt].
Diakiese will be looking to get back to the win column, and lay the foundations to a run at the top-15 on Saturday night at UFC Vegas42 where he'll take on Rafael Alves.
Although he has won seven of his career victories by knockout, the heavy-handed Brazilian fighter has yet to win inside the Octagon.
and win at UFC Vegas 32.
The Turn's overly-zealous striking style is something Diakiese believes he has the ability to exploit.
He said about his opponent, "I know that he lunges to get his shots." He is determined to make every shot count.
"And that's what I'm trying to capitalize on because you don’t fight like that with striking.
"He doesn't have the basic striking I would consider dangerous. Although it's very dangerous, I don't think he's a good striker.
"Everything is loaded. He has to be responsible for that, too. You can't take everything with you. I know when you are coming.
"I'm going to time him when he does all that. I'm going to win the race, I feel ready for it."
Marc Diakiese vs Rafael Alves, UFC FIGHT Night(r): HOLLOWAY vs. RODRIGUEZ Saturday, November 13th at a prime-time slot at BT Sport 2, 7pm. Prelims can be viewed live on UFC Fight Pass starting at 6pm.
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