Tim Wilde has been a notable name in Bellator over the last five years, with his combat sports journey starting with National and World Championships in karate before transitioning to MMA. Wilde is 5-2-1 in Bellator, showcasing resilience as he developed into a well-rounded fighter. Wilde was riding a six-fight unbeaten streak before a loss to Manoel Souza in March, with Wilde’s only other loss coming against former Bellator lightweight champion and 2024 PFL lightweight finalist Brent Primus.

 

Tonight marks the highly anticipated debut of Marc Diakiese to the Bellator cage after signing with the PFL earlier this year. Diakiese has been a longtime veteran of the sport, with wins over the likes of Yancy Medeiros and Damar Hadzovic, while also competing with the likes of Dan Hooker, Drakkar Klose and Rafael Fiziev. Diakiese , who has won three of his last five, most recently fought in November, defeating Kaue Fernandes via split decision.

 

Will Diakese find victory in his Bellator debut, or will Wilde prevent that and get back into the win column?

 

 

Round 1

 

Speedy right hand from Diakiese. Low kick from Diakiese. Round kick from Diakiese. Another round kick from Diakiese. The two circling. Round kick to the body by Diakiese again. Another one from Diakiese. Low kick from Wilde. Diakiese misses a jab. Diakiese slips while throwing a wild left hand. Wilde with a jab. Low kick from Diakiese. Body kick returned by Wilde. Spinning round kick to the head narrowly misses for Diakiese.

 

Low kick missed by Wilde. Front kick and a right hand from Wilde, but time is called briefly for a low blow. Left hand by Wilde. Strong round kick to the body by Diakiese. Diakiese misses a high kick. Spinning back kick misses against for Diakiese. Front kick for Wilde. Body kick is blocked by Wilde. Jumping kick to the body by Diakiese. Another body kick from Diakiese. Right jab by Wilde. Diakiese off balance with another kick miss. Another body kick from Diakiese. Diakiese level changes, but Wilde is ready for it. Diakiese drives Wilde into the fence. Diakiese lifts and gets the takedown, getting right into mount. Wilde escapes the mount, but Diakiese remains on top, getting side control by the bell.

 

 

Round 2

 

Combination from Wilde early. Low kick by Wilde. Diakiese misses another wild spinning kick. Jab to the body by Wilde. Diakiese off balance from a punch attempt. Wilde keeps distance. Body kick by Diakiese. Diakiese level changes, gets to Wilde’s back and scores a takedown. Wilde gets to his knees, but Diakiese is on the hips. Diakiese with knees to Wilde’s legs as he tries for a mat return. Knee by Wilde. Knees to the legs by Diakese. Wilde looks to create space while pinned to the fence. Diakiese now in on the legs, looking for a double-leg, then a single-leg. Wilde goes for a jumping triangle wildly, but no avail.

 

Diakiese works in side control, but he’s dealing with one of Wilde’s legs. Diakiese appears to be working for an arm-triangle. Diakiese works his way into full mount as he does so. Diakiese lets go of the attempt for now. Wilde trying to work his way out from the bottom, while Diakiese brings the pressure on. Diakiese with a pair of right hands. Wilde turns over onto his knees, exposing his back. Diakiese grabs a hold of his back, but Wilde gets a foot down. Diakiese, however, counters with a mat return. Diakiese staying in control until the bell.

 

 

Round 3

 

Wilde with a right hand. Diakiese with a left hand. Diakiese misses a left. Diakiese blocks a front kick from Wilde. Round kick from Wilde. Body kick from Wilde. Front kick from Diakiese. Spinning back kick from Wilde. Low kick from Wilde. Wilde misses a left straight, but he is able to prevent a takedown. Wild overhand right from Wilde. Low kick from Wilde. Diakiese flashes a left hook. Left straight from Wilde. Round kick by Diakiese. Right hook by Wilde.

 

Kick to the body by Wilde slips up Diakiese, who is now coming forward. One-two by Wilde misses, but he’s able to shove off another Diakiese takedown attempt. Diakese can’t get another takedown. Diakiese misses a spinning back kick to the head. Wilde with a pair of hooks catching Diakiese. Left hand from Wilde. Wilde avoids another takedown attempt. Wilde misses a kick to the body. Wilde coming forward in the last minute! Spinning back kick to the body from Wilde. Left hand misses for Wilde. Wilde presses Diakiese into the fence.

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Marc Diakiese defeats Tim Wilde by unanimous decision (29-28x3)