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Two promising lightweights on a bumpy road up the division look to live up to the hype.
Marc Diakiese and Stevie Ray have both experienced the ups-and-downs of being a hyped prospect in a stacked division. Only one of them will make good on those expectations at UFC London.
Diakiese and Ray are set to meet inside the O2 Arena at UFC London on March 21. The bout was officially announced by the UFC on social media.
Diakiese (14-3) was a highly-touted prospect who went undefeated in his first 12 fights, including his first three UFC fights. He lost three subsequent fights to Drakkar Klose, Dan Hooker and Nasrat Haqparast. Since then, Diakiese bounced back with decision wins over “Irish” Joe Duffy and Lando Vannata. Stevie Ray (23-9) won five of his first six UFC fights before going 1-3. Fortunately, he is coming off an important majority decision win over Michael Johnson at UFC Singapore.
Other notable bouts on the card include Darren Stewart vs. Marvin Vettori and Molly McCann vs. Ashlee Evans-Smith.
No main event has officially been announced for UFC London, but top welterweight contenders Tyron Woodley and Leon Edwards are expected to headline.