Marc Diakiese Bio
Marc Diakiese (born 16 March 1993) is a British professional mixed martial artist competing in the lightweight division. He currently fights for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and has previously competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), BAMMA, and other promotions. Known for his striking and grappling skills, Diakiese holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and fights out of Doncaster, England.
Early Life and Background
Marc Diakiese was born in Kinshasa, then part of Zaire, on 16 March 1993. He moved to England where he grew up and later began training in mixed martial arts at age 17 to stay fit and avoid trouble. Before turning professional, Diakiese worked as a railway engineer and was also a promising footballer, showing athletic versatility early in life.
Path to MMA
Diakiese had an undefeated amateur record of 9–0, holding three different titles simultaneously before turning professional in 2013. He initially competed in regional promotions, quickly making a name for himself with four wins in under a year. His early success led to a contract with BAMMA, where he further developed his skills and gained recognition.
Marc Diakiese Career
Early Career (2013–2014)
Marc Diakiese began his professional MMA career in 2013 after an impressive amateur run. He fought in regional circuits, earning multiple wins that showcased his potential. His early career was marked by rapid progress and growing attention from larger promotions.
BAMMA Breakthrough (2014–2016)
Diakiese signed a five-fight contract with BAMMA in 2014. He made his promotional debut with a unanimous decision win over Jefferson George at BAMMA 16. He continued his winning streak by defeating Vernon O’Neill via unanimous decision. In March 2015, Diakiese won the vacant BAMMA Lightweight Championship by unanimous decision against Jack McGann. He successfully defended the title twice, including a knockout victory just 24 seconds into the first round against Rick Selvarajah and another first-round knockout against Kane Mousah. These performances earned him a UFC contract.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2016–2023)
Diakiese made his UFC debut in October 2016, winning by TKO against Łukasz Sajewski. He secured a unanimous decision victory over Frankie Perez later that year. In March 2017, he achieved a first-round knockout against Teemu Packalén, earning his first Performance of the Night bonus. Throughout his UFC tenure, Diakiese faced tough competition, including losses to Drakkar Klose and Dan Hooker. He earned the Fight of the Night award in 2020 for his bout against Rafael Fiziev. Diakiese continued to compete actively, with notable wins over Joseph Duffy and Lando Vannata, and signed a new multi-fight contract in 2019. His UFC run concluded with a mix of wins and losses, demonstrating resilience and skill at the highest level.
Professional Fighters League Era (2024–Present)
In 2024, Marc Diakiese signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He debuted with a unanimous decision win over Tim Wilde at Bellator Champions Series 5. In 2025, Diakiese joined the PFL World Tournament in the lightweight division but suffered a knockout loss in the quarterfinals to Gadzhi Rabadanov. He continues to compete in the PFL, aiming to make a significant impact in the organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Marc Diakiese is known for his striking prowess combined with solid grappling skills, holding a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His reach advantage and technical striking make him effective at controlling distance. Diakiese adapts well to different opponents, blending aggressive offense with tactical defense. His training with American Top Team has enhanced his overall MMA craft.
Notable Events and Milestones
Diakiese’s career highlights include winning the BAMMA Lightweight Championship and defending it twice with quick knockouts. His UFC Performance of the Night bonus in 2017 and Fight of the Night award in 2020 mark significant milestones. He was the first UFC fighter to pose for Gay Times magazine, reflecting his role in promoting inclusivity in the sport.
Marc Diakiese Career Wins
Marc Diakiese has amassed 18 professional wins out of 26 fights. His victories span regional promotions, BAMMA, UFC, and PFL, showcasing his longevity and competitiveness in the lightweight division.
BAMMA Highlights
Diakiese secured the BAMMA Lightweight Championship in 2015 and defended it twice with first-round knockouts, establishing himself as a dominant force in the promotion. These performances earned him a UFC contract and set the stage for his international career.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond BAMMA and UFC, Diakiese has competed in various regional promotions and grappling events. His professional record includes wins by knockout, submission, and decision, reflecting a well-rounded skill set.
Marc Diakiese Family
Personal Life
Marc Diakiese resides in Doncaster, England. He has a son and a daughter. In 2017, he became the first UFC fighter to pose for an LGBT publication, highlighting his support for diversity and inclusion. Details about his marital status remain private.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Marc Diakiese is competing in the PFL World Tournament lightweight division. After a strong debut in the PFL in 2024, he entered the 2025 season with high expectations. Despite a knockout loss in the quarterfinals, Diakiese remains a competitive presence in the league. His ongoing training and experience position him as a contender for future PFL events.