Where UFC debuts are concerned, it couldn’t have gone much better for British prospect Marc Diakiese.
The former BAMMA lightweight champion was coming into the UFC with a big reputation off the back of two lightning-quick knock-outs.
If people thought he was stepping into the Octagon with any trepidation in front of  raucous UFC 204 crowd in Manchester, they were wrong.
The Doncaster 155er looked cool, calm and collected as he unloaded with a spectacular repertoire of shots against Lukasz Sajeweski to record an impressive second-round stoppage on his UFC bow.
He was taken to ground early by Sajewski but recovered well and scored with a huge body slam that had the crowd on its feet in the first.
Wow!! Slam City for @Marc_Diakiese at #UFC204!! https://t.co/O4JxNbg9IY
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) October 9, 2016
Diakiese landed at will with a dexterous mix of flashy spinning kicks and clever punch combinations. Once he dialled in his timing, the fight was only going to go one way, and with the Pole backed up against the fence he unloaded mercilessly to force the stoppage.
Welcome to the @UFC, @Marc_Diakiese! 👊 #UFC204 https://t.co/pFabclxAP3
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) October 9, 2016
If it looked like the ever-smiling Diakiese was enjoying putting a beat down on his opponent, it’s because he really was.
Asked about possible debut jitters, his reply was unequivocal, saying: “It felt great. It felt amazing. The canvas was great to just plant my feet and plant good shots. I enjoyed it. There was no jitters whatsoever.
The win over Sajewski makes it three finishes from three and continues his hot streak at lightweight.
The UFC’s 155 division is stacked with talent – not least the likes of Conor McGregor, Eddie Alvarez, Rafael Dos Anjos, Anthony Pettis, Donald Cerrone and Nate Diaz.
But if anyone thought the 23-year-old Brit was just there to make up the numbers, they’re sorely mistaken.
He reaffirmed his pre-fight proclamation that he’s here for the lightweight belt.
“I’m not here to make up the numbers, like I said. I’m working towards that world title. I believe I’m up there with the top 10. I’m still young, I’m only 23 and I’m learning and making progress all the time. ”
While Diakiese may be some way off the summit of the division yet, he showed he’s got the tools to trouble fighters and the flair to entertain fans and it was certainly a successful first step in the right direction.
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