Moustapha Diakhate brought the music, violence, and overall aura to PFL New York.
Kicking off Friday’s main card at UBS Arena, Diakhate (6-0-1) made quick work of short-notice step-in Darryl Walker (2-1), finishing the bout with ground-and-pound at 2:35 of Round 1.
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It was a sight to behold from beginning to end. The Senegal-born Belgium resident Diakhate entered the cage dressed head to toe in samurai warrior gear complete with live drummers. When it came time to put the showmanship on the backburner, Diakhate performed.
While Walker showed no fear, Diakhate ultimately made him pay by taking the fight to the canvas and blasting him with big punches.
After the fight, Jake Paul entered the cage to plug Diakhate on the microphone. The 25-year-old signed with the promotion just prior to this fight, after capturing the ARES FC light heavyweight title.
Walker, 34, stepped in on less than two days’ notice. Diakhate was initially expected to face Zach Nishimwe, who was pulled by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC). A person with knowledge of the situation told MMA Junkie the promotion had approximately six opponents penciled in before they were able to lock one in that the commission would approve.
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Up-to-the-minute PFL New York results include:
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Moustapha Diakhate def. Darryl Walker via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:35
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Lazaro Dayron def. Raufeon Stots via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
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Sean Gauci def. Allan Begosso via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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Omar El Dafrawy def. Jonathan Piersma via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
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Tatiana Postarnakova def. Montana De La Rosa via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
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Levan Khabalaev def. Chamy Delva via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:44
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: PFL New York video: Moustapha Diakhate brings aura, violence in debut
