LONDON – The majority of Marc Diakiese’s fights have gone to the scorecards, but he’s still got a reputation for fast finishes.
A 30-second mauling encouraged that reputation, but Joe Duffy (16-3 MMA, 4-2 UFC) doesn’t give it too much credence when he looks at his upcoming fight with “Bonecrusher.”
“I think statistically, it’s probably the most dangerous part of the fight anyway,” Duffy told MMA Junkie in advance of their UFC on ESPN+ 5 meeting at The O2 in London. “But obviously, I’ve got to stay switched on the whole time and make sure he’s still not explosive in round three and catches me with a big shot.”
The last time Duffy stepped into the octagon, he made it halfway through the fight before James Vick caught him. It’s been over one year since he’s competed, and the matchup with Diakiese (12-3 MMA, 3-3 UFC) – who’s lost his past three bouts – wasn’t necessarily one he requested.
“Obviously, I’m coming off a loss as well, so it’s not like I can say too much,” he said. “And it is an exciting matchup. He’s always in exciting fights. He’s a dangerous, explosive fighter, and I feel like our styles make for a good clash.”
After spending so much time on the sidelines, Duffy is mostly focused on making a successful return.
“I think when you’re fighting, you’ve got to concentrate on yourself,” he said. “If you start getting drawn in too much to what they’re doing, you’re losing track of what you have control of. I only have control of what I do. Prepare for it, and on the night, I suppose make it up as I go along.”
If successful, he’d like to compete more often and burn more bouts on the six fights remaining on his current contract. There’s only one thing holding him back.
“I’ve got a wedding I’m a groomsman for in June, so I won’t be able to fight then,” he said.
To hear more from Duffy, check out the video above.
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