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24th Feb 2017

British UFC star makes history by posing for Gay Times magazine

Groundbreaking

Darragh Murphy

British mixed martial artist Marc Diakiese has made history by becoming the first UFC fighter to pose for a gay magazine.

Diakiese, who holds an undefeated professional record of 11-0, posed for Gay Times magazine ahead of their March edition.

The Doncaster lightweight, nicknamed ‘Bonecrusher’, was selected as the GT Fitty of the Month and spoke to the publication about his MMA career, as well as his philosophy of viewing people as people, rather than separating them into categories of straight and gay.

“I like the idea that as people, we are all one. There’s a lot of people who are single-minded,” Diakiese said.

“We’re all the same, really, and as long as I get on with you and you get on with me, I’m fine. There’s no difference.

“We’re in a new era in 2017. You can do and be whatever you want to be. We are all people, we are all the same, and so I’m pleased to be here and be featured in the magazine.”

Diakiese made his UFC debut last October in Manchester, where he knocked out Lukasz Sajewski, before he claimed a unanimous decision over Frankie Perez in December.

The 23-year-old next takes to the Octagon on March 18, when he will meet Finnish 155lber Teemu Packalen at UFC London.