“Mine for the Taking”: Bonecrusher Crushing Out of UFC, Eyes PFL’s Million-Dollar Crown
PFL have scooped up yet another exciting free agent after he fought out his latest four-fight UFC deal in November.
Former BAMMA champion Marc Diakiese stepped in at short notice to face Kaue Fernandes at UFC Sao Paolo last year, winning by split decision. But after coming to the end of the deal he signed in May 2022, he has opted to pursue the $1million championship in the PFL.
The British lightweight has been in the octagon with the likes of Michael Johnson and Rafael Fiziev, and defeated Joseph Duffy among other major names during his run. He enters the PFL with a 17-7 record that includes eight wins under the UFC banner. He has never lost outside of the promotion.
Marc Diakiese announces he has signed with PFL for next year’s global season
Fresh off a competitive grappling match with Benoit Saint-Denis that went the distance in Paris, Diakiese has opted to bring his MMA talents to the PFL. He will fight at least once this year before signing up for next year’s season.
“I am proud to call PFL my new home, and I can’t wait to get started,” he said in a statement today after appearing cageside at the promotion’s European tournament show in Newcastle. “I plan to debut in the SmartCage later this year to announce my arrival to the roster.
“And then I will enter the regular season where I’m coming for that $1million prize money. I back myself at lightweight, and I’m coming for everyone. This weight class is mine for the taking, and I feel the PFL Championship has my name all over it in 2025.”
PFL lightweight season continues this month in Salt Lake
Diakiese will get a chance to have a look at his competition for the year on June 21 when the second round of matchups for the 155lb regular season take place in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Brit will have a keen eye on all competitors vying for this year’s prize.
With three fighters on five points of a possible six, it’s still all to play for at the Huntsman Center as the lightweights and light-heavyweights do battle. Michael Dufort, Clay Collard and Brent Primus are currently topping the table with five points each after a string of second round wins.
Elvin Espinoza and Gadhzi Rabadanov are each also in the win column, although the Russian’s points win over Solomon Renfro wasn’t enough to land him in the playoff spots. In the PFL format, fighters are awarded six points for a first round finish, five for a second, four for a third and three for a decision win.
After two fights, their points are tallied up in a group stage format, and the top four are sent into the playoffs. After two sets of semi-finals, they compete for the $1million championship in November at an as-yet unconfirmed venue.
