Lightweight Kauê Fernandes made his octagon debut at UFC Sao Paulo on Saturday, fighting at home in Brazil against a tough out in Marc Diakiese.
A head kick finish had paved the way for Fernandes to land in the UFC, but he was getting a tough first assignment in “Bonecrusher” Diakiese.
Brazil’s Fernandes started off the fight with a few body kicks before going up top. He got Diakiese against the cage but Diakiese used it to throw Fernandes to the mat. He did a really nice job using leverage to get that takedown. Fernandes quickly used an omoplata to scramble back to his feet. Diakiese telegraphed a spinning kick and Fernandes caught is and got the fight down again. Diakiese quickly scrambled and got the top position. For a little over a minute left in the round Diakies hung around in the guard of Fernandes.
In round two Fernandes went to work with his kicks. It was the low calf kicks Fernandes was landing that forced Diakiese to shoot a takedown. Fernandes defended and shook Diakiese off. Diakiese landed a heavy overhand left which was the biggest shot landed so far and Fernandes took it no problem. The leg kicks of Fernandes were adding up as it was visibly giving Diakiese issues. Diakiese again tried for the takedown and although Fernandes made it tough he got the fight down. Just like in round one, Diakiese spent the last minute or so in the guard of Fernandes.
In the final round, what sort of scores the judges had was very much a question. Fernandes was at it with the lead leg kick but Diakiese landed a left hand that put Fernandes on his hands. Diakiese followed up with a takedown but couldn’t get it. A nice right hand landed from Diakiese and then another takedown attempt. The bodylock was tight and Fernandes found himself on his back again. Although Diakiese was doing little damage he was dominating posing in the guard. Fernandes was able to get back to his feet but right at the bell. Come the scorecards, it was split — with Marc Diakiese doing enough to get the victory on two cards.
Official Result: Marc Diakiese def. Kauê Fernandes by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
