With Alan Patrick out, UFC targets Rafael Fiziev vs. Marc Diakiese for July 18

Marc Diakiese has a new opponent for July 18.

As quickly as his UFC “Fight Island” matchup against Alan Patrick appeared, it was gone. Three days after news broke Diakiese (14-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) would be fighting, his opponent Patrick was replaced by Rafael Fiziev. Reasons for Patrick’s withdrawal are unknown.

A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed the targeted booking to MMA Junkie after an initial report from MMAPlay365. The person asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.

Fiziev (7-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) is coming off of an ACL and MCL surgery underwent in November. Two fights into his promotional tenure, Fiziev is batting .500. In his UFC debut in April 2019, Fiziev was knocked out by Magomed Mustafaev. Six months later, Fiziev picked up his fist UFC victory with a unanimous decision win over Alex White.

After losing three straight, Diakiese 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.

The UFC event on July 18 takes place on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi – the second of four cards the promotion is holding there in the span of 15 days.

With the addition, the current July 18 lineup includes:

• Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Joseph Benavidez – for vacant UFC flyweight title
• Kelvin Gastelum vs. Jack Hermansson
• Marc Diakiese vs. Rafael Fiziev
• Askar Askarov vs. Alexandre Pantoja
• Roman Dolidze vs. Khadis Ibragimov
• Carlos Felipe vs. Serghei Spivac
• Davi Ramos vs. Arman Tsarukyan