A lightweight bout is the latest addition to the UFC’s July 18 card.
Marc Diakiese will face Alan Patrick at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi – also known as “Fight Island.” Both men confirmed the matchup on their social media.
After losing three straight, Diakiese (14-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) rebounded with back-to-back wins over Joseph Duffy and Lando Vannata. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic canceling all international cards, Diakiese was scheduled to face newcomer and Cage Warriors lightweight champion Jai Herbert at the UFC’s March event in London.
Patrick (15-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) hasn’t competed since October 2018, when he saw his three-fight winning streak snapped at the hands of Scott Holtzman at UFC 229.
With the addition, the current July 18 lineup includes:
- Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Joseph Benavidez – for UFC flyweight title
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Jack Hermansson
- Marc Diakiese vs. Alan Patrick
- Askar Askarov vs. Alexandre Pantoja
Marc Diakiese vs. Alan Patrick joins UFC's July 18 lineup in Abu Dhabi