Reza Madadi out, Lucasz Sajewski in to face British star Marc Diakiese at UFC 204

BRITISH lightweight prospect Marc ‘Bonecrusher’ Diakiese’s Octagon debut at UFC 204 just took an unexpected twist.

The undefeated 23-year-old was all set to take on Swedish veteran Reza ‘Mad Dog’ Madadi in the opening fight of the night at the Manchester Arena on October 8.

Marc Moggridge

But an eye injury to Madadi has forced him off the card, with the UFC drafting in Polish fighter Lucasz Sajewski as a short-notice replacement.

Fight fans have been eager to see Diakiese’s UFC bow after watching the dynamic Doncaster fighter starch his last two opponents in a combined time of one minute to earn his spot on the big stage.

But despite the late switch in opponent, Diakiese is totally unfazed ahead of his long-awaited UFC debut.

"He's a tough kid who comes forward, but he's not technical," said the Brit on his new opponent.

"He'll come to fight, but I'll have too much for him.

"On paper he's got a good record, but what he's done before getting to the UFC really doesn't matter.

"It's what he does in the UFC that counts, and he's 0-2."

Per Haljestam

But despite not being impressed with the Pole's performances in the UFC to date, the in-form Brit knows he has to guard himself against complacency when he steps into the Octagon for his UFC debut.

"I'm not too worried, but anything can happen, so I'll be coming in with aggression, whoever the opponent is.

"He won't be stronger than me in the wrestling aspect and I'm a better striker.

"It doesn't matter who the opponent is, I'm ready."