MMA saved Marc Diakiese from going down a path of crime.
The lightweight fighter’s meteoric rise from Doncaster to signing for the UFC has been truly inspiring.
Marc Diakiese has enjoyed a glittering rise from being arrested as a teenager in Doncaster to signing for the UFC
Diakiese will face Michael Johnson at UFC Orlando on Saturday night
‘Bonecrusher’ arrived in England from the Democratic Republic of Congo at age 12 not speaking a word of the language.
He was bullied and suffered racism as a youngster before being arrested a number of times.
But a local gym near his house in Doncaster helped put him on the straight and narrow before he signed a glittering deal with the UFC in 2016.
Tomorrow night he will be walking out under the lights of the Amway Center in Florida for UFC Orlando as he takes on Michael Johnson.
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The 29-year-old told SunSport: “When I came to Doncaster in 2005 it was a bit different. There was a bit of racism and a lot of people tried to bully me, but I handled myself pretty well.
“Then when I was 18 I kept getting arrested all the time and getting into trouble.
“I was lucky that there was a gym right next to my house so I went there thinking I’ll try something new because I kept getting into trouble.
“There was nothing to do where I lived so I went to the gym and ended up liking it because the coaches encourage you, saying ‘look how good this kid is’ and you keep going back.
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“Next thing I know I’m getting a blue belt, low amateur fights, a little belt or trophy and now I’m a full time fighter.”
Diakese isn’t just any fighter, he is signed to MMA’s most prestigious promotion – the UFC.
The Congolese-born Brit even cried when he found out he would be joining the promotion in 2016 after years of grit and determination.
He added: “I cried because I was like ‘wow’. I was expecting to maybe sign in four years time.
“I had a good knockout highlight fights and the next thing I know I got a phone call. It was surreal. I couldn’t believe it.
“And then emotions came through. I was like, wow, I’ve really done it.”
Diakiese has always stays true to his South Yorkshire roots and he still calls Doncaster home despite the glitz and glamour of jetting off around the globe as a pro fighter.
He added: “Doncaster is home because I know everybody.
“Even when I’m anywhere in the world. I feel like when I’m in Doncaster it’s the safest place for me to be. I just love Donny.”
‘Bonecrusher’ bagged a second consecutive win by beating Damir Hadzovic at UFC London in July after derailing Viacheslav Borschev earlier this year.
He has emerged as quite the grappler having previously been known for his crisp striking skills.
And he believes the constant reminder of how he started out is helping to propel him up the UFC ranks.
Diakiese said: “It feels surreal sometimes. Like before, I didn’t really take it in whereas now I’m trying to realise now this is where I’m at.
“Maybe that’s why I’m starting to be more successful now.
“I’m just realising where I am and living in the moment. To be where I am I am just so grateful for which means I got to put in work and which is what I’m doing now,
“Picking up the wins and moving up the ranks. Instead of me just plateauing at the same spot. I’m trying to get these wins and keep moving because that’s what I’m in the UFC for.”