‘I couldn’t actually say no’

It’s unusual to see fighter shift organizations after a UFC win, however Marc Diakiese is among the few exceptions.

PFL introduced at this previous Thursday’s 2024 PFL 4 occasion that it had signed Diakiese (17-7) to an unique contract. The information got here as a shock to some, as a result of Diakiese was final seen incomes a break up choice victory over Kaue Fernandes at UFC Battle Evening 231 in November.

Diakiese made his UFC debut in October 2016 and went 8-7 over a 15-fight stint with the group. Diakiese revealed the combat with Fernandes was the final on his contract, and though his expectations have been to signal a brand new UFC contract, he stated PFL swooped in with an irresistible supply.

“It was simply considered one of this stuff: I felt prefer it was coming, and truthfully after my final combat – the combat in London (vs Joel Alvarez), that was that final combat on my contract and I obtained despatched to Brazil last-minute (for Fernandes),” Diakiese informed MMA Junkie. “I knew I used to be a free agent, however then the UFC would nonetheless give me a contract so I used to be ready as a result of I used to be meant to be on the July card. Then PFL took place with a superb supply, and I couldn’t actually say no. So I requested (UFC) to let me go and check out for one thing else, and that’s what I did.”

Diakiese stated he’s excited to begin a brand new chapter of his profession with PFL. He expects to make his debut in September in October in a “one-off” combat. He’ll then look forward to the calendar to flip to 2025 and can have a spot within the light-weight common season.

The remainder of the sector isn’t set for the 2025 season, however Diakiese already likes his probabilities. He’s fought notable names equivalent to a Rafael Fiziev, Lando Vannata, Joe Duffy, Dan Hooker and extra all through his profession, and he doesn’t see anybody else who can match that stage of competitors.

Diakiese plans to make use of all the things he’s discovered throughout an almost eight-year UFC run into PFL’s gruelling season format, and he thinks he’s a fantastic candidate to say the $1 million prize when it’s throughout.

“I really feel like I’m 31, I’m in my prime now and I’ve obtained loads of expertise within the UFC,” Diakiese stated. “I wish to be energetic, and I really feel like PFL their format, the best way it’s, is completely set for me. I do know I’m preventing 4 occasions a 12 months and I do know I’m making a living on the identical time.

“It helps so much figuring out you’ve obtained some cash that may change your life on the finish of 4 fights. You’ve simply obtained to provide it your all. And also you’ve obtained to go on the market and attempt to end the fellows, and that is the proper format for me figuring out that if I end these guys I’m going to be proper on the prime and attempting to win the $1 million event. It’s nice for me.”