UFC Exclusive: Frankie Perez is a quitter and I’m going to punish him for it, says Marc Diakiese

Marc Diakiese has come out with strong fighting talk ahead of Frankie Perez bout (Picture: Getty)

One of the UFC’s newest recruits, Marc Diakiese, is eyeing another professional victory when he takes on American Frankie Perez at UFC Fight Night 102 on December 9.

Ahead of his trip State side, Diakiese believes that Perez is nothing more than a ‘quitter’ and ‘attention-seeker’ who he plans to ‘punish’.

Diakiese made his debut in the octagon last October in front of a Manchester crowd and after a dominant performance against Lukasz Sajewski, the fighter expects another mauling.

‘Personally, I think he’s a quitter,’ Diakiese exclusively told Metro.co.uk.

‘He quits. Obviously he’s not used to fighting people like me and he will quit again.’

Diakiese celebrates his victorious UFC debut back in October (Picture: Getty)

Diakiese saw off Lukasz Sajewski with a second round TKO in Manchester (Picture: Getty)

August 2015 saw Diakiese’s upcoming opponent Perez defeat Sam Stout at UFC Fight Night 74 in less than a minute before announcing his shock retirement from the sport at the age of just 26.

Perez had lost on his UFC debut to Johhny Case at UFC Fight Night 59 in January 2015 and after his very first professional victory over Stout the lightweight fighter said: ‘This was my first win in the UFC and my last.

‘I’m done after this. I’ve brought my dreams to come true and I’m ready for the next chapter of my life.

‘I’m done putting my family and my body through all of this.’

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In 2016, Perez announced a u-turn on his original decision though and his first fight upon returning will be against Diakiese in December.

‘I’ve noticed that he likes the attention and he hasn’t got the heart that I have,’ Diakiese added.

‘I don’t feel like he’s going to stop me.’

Frankie Perez (right) had retired from the UFC after his last fight with Sam Stout (Picture: Getty)

@TeamFrankieP Don't talk too much shit, I'm not sure what's weaker your body or your mind – you will get slammed! #weakbody #weakmind

— Marc Diakiese (@Marc_Diakiese) October 27, 2016

Though born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Diakiese moved to Doncaster as a 12-year-old in 2005.

After nine amateur bouts, the ‘Bonecrusher’ made his professional debut at UFC 204 in Manchester on October 9 against Polish fighter Sajewski. 

Diakiese was victorious  in his first appearance in the octagon following a second round TKO to the delight of the Manchester crowd, and his next fight is scheduled for UFC Albany in New York in December.

The 23-year-old is yet to taste defeat in his career.

The impressive Diakiese says he ‘doesn’t care’ that the Perez fight is in America (Picture: Getty)

Despite the fact he will be lacking a ‘home crowd’ as such and be away from home as it were when facing New Jersey born Perez in New York, Diakiese thinks the venue will make no difference.

‘It won’t make any difference for me,’ the 154lb lightweight fighter told Metro.co.uk.

‘It’s a fight at the end of the day, we’re just going in and fighting.

‘There will be a lot of people there probably booing me but I don’t really care, it doesn’t matter, I’m going to just punish him for it and that is it.

Diakiese told Metro Sport he plans to ‘punish’ Perez at UFC Albany (Picture: Getty)

‘It’s good that I’m fighting away and it’s in the USA but it’s never really been a dream of mine to fight in New York.

‘I’m just going in and taking it as any other fight.

‘As long as I get into that cage fighting, I’m happy.’

Watch Diakiese in action at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Abdurakhimov on Friday, December 9th live on UFC Fight Pass.

Shaw reveals reaction from Manchester United squad over Schweinsteiger’s shock return

Bastian Schweinsteiger has returned to training. (Picture: Manchester United)

Luke Shaw admits Bastian Schweinsteiger’s return has been a ‘great boost’ for the Manchester United squad.

The former Germany international was exiled from the first team at the start of the season and was told by Jose Mourinho that he had no future at Old Trafford.

The 32-year-old was not named in United’s Europa League squad, and is not expected to play any role under Mourinho this season.

But Shaw is buoyed by the midfielder’s surprise return to training on Monday.

‘It’s great to see him back,’ Shaw told the Press Association.

Schweinsteiger has not featured at all under Mourinho this season. (Getty Images)

‘We found out the news a couple of days ago and it’s so great to __have him back.

‘He’s a big influence in the dressing room and obviously on the pitch, especially for the young players like myself.

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‘It’s a great boost for us, the experience and the quality that he brings.

‘The quality he possesses is a boost for our team and I’m so glad to __have him back.’

Conor McGregor tells fellow fighters to put in the work if they want his crown ahead of UFC 205 fight

Conor McGregor has slammed his fellow UFC fighters insisting all he hears is moaning instead of seeing any real effort to dethrone him as king.

The featherweight champion became the highest paid and grossing UFC fighter this year and has seen several rival fighters take aim at him and his brazen ways.

McGregor is gearing up for a potentially history making moment against Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 on November 12 and has hit out at his nay sayers ahead of the two-belt clash.

‘They all say I’m all talk — I look at them and say they’re all talk.

Conor McGregor is the biggest ticket ever in the UFC (Picture: Getty)

‘Because I’m the one in here fighting every week,’ McGregor said.

‘I only had a five round war against a guy three times the size of me and now I’m back again.

L O L to the bank pic.twitter.com/7SodvNy6RC

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) October 26, 2016

‘All I hear is complaining, bi****** and moaning, You want this, you want what I got, you’ve got to put in the fu***** work.

‘As far as I’m seeing, nobody’s putting in the work.

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‘Everyone’s talking. Everyone’s thinking ‘just cause Conor has it, I should __have it’.

‘No, no — I didn’t always __have it, there’s a reason why I have it. I had to work my (expletive) bullocks off to get it.

‘Here I am, still working, while they’re talking.’

Bastian Schweinsteiger is delighted to be back among Manchester United first team after return from isolation

Bastian Schweinsteiger has not played a single game for the seniors this season (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was surprisingly welcomed back into the Red Devils fold on Monday and the 32-year-old admitted he is delighted to have returned.

Schweinsteiger has been ostracized to the reserves by manager Jose Mourinho since the start of the season and was excluded from the Europa League squad.

However, the German returned to first team sessions at Carrington this week, much to the surprise of United supporters and Schweinsteiger took to social media later that evening to reveal how he felt after a long time out in the cold.

Felt great today! Team is in good shape, results will follow! @manchesterunited

A photo posted by Bastian Schweinsteiger (@bastianschweinsteiger) on Oct 31, 2016 at 11:19am PDT

Schweinsteiger has not played a single minute under Mourinho this season and was humiliated by the United boss when he was left out of the 2016/17 squad photo.

The German retired from international football this year and has spent his time away from the first team attending United games and insisting he has no issue with Mourinho or his treatment.

Jose Mourinho looks on as Schweinsteiger trains (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea centre-back David Luiz should be a world class defender, says Jamie Carragher

David Luiz has been praised for his performances of late (Picture: Getty)

The only thing that can hold back Chelsea defender David Luiz from becoming a world class centre-back is himself, says Jamie Carragher.

Luiz returned to Chelsea this summer in a big money move and has now cemented himself back in the Blues eleven since Antonio Conte switched to a 3-4-3 formation.

Chelsea __have kept four clean sheets in a row in the league with Luiz part of a three-man defence and Carragher thinks he has every attribute to become a world class defender, but may be halted in his progression by his own wandering mind.

‘Why should David Luiz be a world class defender?’ said Carragher on Monday Night Football.

Chelsea results with 3-4-3 formation

Southampton 0-2 Chelsea
West Ham 2-1 Chelsea (EFL Cup)
Chelsea 4-0 Manchester United
Chelsea 3-0 Leicester City
Hull 0-2 Chelsea

‘The problem he has, which we think is one of his strengths, is stepping out with the ball.

‘He’s too casual at times maybe because he doesn’t feel like he has that responsibility.

‘Now that he has that responsibility to remain centered, it’s not his job to step out.

Jamie Carragher worries Luiz could become bored with just defending (Picture: Getty)

‘The only problem I see going forward for David Luiz in this set-up is if he becomes bored and he’s not getting involved.

‘Then he’ll do something stupid. He does step out and it’s not the instruction from Conte.

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‘But where’s he’s playing now, not stepping out, just being a defender, he’s been outstanding.’

Chelsea take on Everton in the Premier League this weekend with Luiz and fellow centre-back Gary Cahill and full-back Cesar Azpilicueta expected to line out once again in the 3-4-3 shape.

Jon Jones picks light-heavyweight rival Daniel Cormier to beat Anthony Johnson again at UFC 206 in Toronto

Anthony Johnson places the belt on Daniel Cormier after their last fight (Picture: Getty)

Jon Jones has backed his light-heavyweight rival Daniel Cormier to come out victorious in his rematch with Anthony Johnson at UFC 206 in Toronto.

The reigning champion takes on Johnson for a second time in front of a Canadian crowd on December 10 hoping to continue his term as light-heavyweight king and make it 2-0 from as many fights against Johnson.

Jones remains the only fighter to beat Cormier in his MMA career and was meant to fight the champion at UFC 200 before his doping violation ended the possibility of a second clash.

Cormier and the light-heavyweight division are yet to find out whether Jones will return to the octagon anytime soon and avoid a potential two-year ban, but the American has picked his arch nemesis as the winner on December 10.

If I had to bet I would go with DC, his overall game is more complete https://t.co/PhyhxkzK5c

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) October 28, 2016

Jones and Cormier are arch rivals (Picture: Getty)

Johnson and Cormier enjoy a much more warm relationship (Picture: Getty)

Jones has been hinting that he will find out his fate from the US Anti-Doping Agency this week and that he expects to be cleared from any wrong doing.

The 29-year-old has not fought since April of this year and like Cormier has just one blemish on his MMA record, a 2009 defeat to Matt Hamill after he used an illegal move.

Just landed in LA, staying in Santa Monica tonight. Big meeting tomorrow

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) October 31, 2016

Yes, the best is yet to come https://t.co/NGwC04fNUn

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) October 31, 2016

Despite the potential drugs ban looming over his head, Jones is still regarded as one of the best UFC fighters to ever compete in the octagon and holds the record as the youngest ever champion in the company’s history.

Player In Focus: WTA Finals champion Dominika Cibulkova

Player in focus<br />Rex/Metro

Welcome to the first edition of our Metro.co.uk ‘Player in Focus’ series.

Each week we will take a look at a tennis star on either the WTA or ATP tour and offer some insight into what they __have achieved and what lies ahead in future weeks.

Dominika Cibulkova will be the first ace under the microscope after finishing her 2016 campaign in style.

The 27-year-old rounded off her best year to date with a stunning WTA Finals victory over world No. 1 Angelique Kerber.

Here we take a look at how she’s progressed this year and what we can expect from her in 2017.

What has she achieved this year?

Cibulkova took the title in Singapore (Picture: Getty)

It’s been a terrific year on the whole for the Slovak, who won an impressive four WTA titles.

After suffering with an Achilles injury in 2015, which ruled her out for a decent portion of the season, Cibulkova has made a real comeback this year.

She had only landed four titles in her career prior to 2016 where she secured wins in Katowice, Eastbourne, Linz and, most impressively at the WTA Finals in Singapore.

The event sees the top eight players on the WTA circuit battle it out as they look for a final push up the rankings and to end the campaign on a high.

Cibulkova factfile

Age: 27
Nationality: Slovakian
Birthplace: Bratislava
Current ranking: 5
Highest ranking: 5
No. of Grand Slam titles: 0
Playing style: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)

Making her debut at the season-ending event, Cibulkova secured the biggest victory of her career with a 6-3 6-4 triumph over Kerber in the final.

Biggest disappointments of 2016?

Her performances in the Grand Slams left plenty to be desired.

A straight sets first-round defeat to Kristina Mladenovic in Australia was followed up by a third-round loss to Carla Suarez Navarro.

Mladenovic took Cibulkova out in Australia (Picture: Getty)

Wimbledon proved to be her most successful Slam, reaching the quarter-finals, although she will be disappointed to __have crashed out to Elena Vesnina, who had never previously made a semi-final appearance at any major.

A third-round exit at the US Open to Lesia Tsurenko capped off a generally disappointing year on the biggest stages.

What have been the biggest achievements in her career?

She reached the final of the 2014 Australian Open in impressive fashion, beating Suarez Navarro, Maria Sharapova, Simona Halep and Agnieszka Radwanska on her way to the final in Melbourne before suffering defeat to Li Na.

Titles won by Cibulkova

2016 – Katowice, Eastbourne, Linz, WTA Finals
2014 – Acapulco
2013 – Stanford
2012 – Carlsbad
2011 – Moscow

Her win in Singapore at the WTA Finals will be regarded as her biggest to date and cracking the top five as a result of her success is a solid achievement.

What can she realistically target next season?

Cibulkova beat Kerber to the WTA Finals title (Picture: Getty)

Further progression in the Grand Slams.

Cibulkova has proven she can mix it with the best and she must now look to find more consistency in the majors.

Aside from her one venture into the final in Australia, she’s not reached the semi-final of a Slam since 2009 – something that she must improve.

Beating Kerber should provide a major confidence boost

Can she become world No. 1?

It would take a remarkable streak of form for her to knock Angelique Kerber and Serena Williams off the top of the pile but the No. 3 spot is within her grasp.

WTA rankings

1. Kerber – 9,080
2. Williams – 7,050
3. Radwanska – 5,600
4. Halep – 5,228
5. Cibulkova – 4,875
6. Pliskova – 4,600
7. Muguruza – 4,236
8. Keys – 4,137
9. Kuznetsova – 4,115
10. Konta – 3,455

She’s left plenty of room for improvement at the majors and she can look to close the gap on both Halep and Radwanska with a good performance in Australia.

With Williams’ career winding down, and Kerber proving that it’s more than possible to start winning majors above the age of 28, anything is possible for Cibulkova if she truly believes.

Eden Hazard has already bettered his scoring record from last season in just TEN matches this term

Eden Hazard’s been back to his best at Chelsea this term (Picture: Getty)

Eden Hazard’s struggles last season are well known but the Chelsea winger is making up for lost time in this campaign.

The 25-year-old inspired Chelsea to the title in 2015 but followed that up with just four goals during a dismal 2015/2016 campaign.

However, Hazard’s found his form again under Antonio Conte this term and he’s found his scoring boots in recent weeks.

The former Lille forward put Chelsea ahead against Southampton on Sunday afternoon and set-up Diego Costa to seal a 2-0 victory.

Astonishingly, after just ten matches so far this term, Hazard has already bettered the four goals he managed last season by notching his fifth goal against the Saints.

5 – Eden Hazard has scored more goals in 10 league games this season than he did in 31 for Chelsea last season (4). Rejuvenated.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 30, 2016

Jose Mourinho facing stadium ban after Burnley sending off

Jose Mourinho is facing a stadium ban (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is facing a stadium ban after being sent off during the Red Devils 0-0 draw with Burnley on Saturday.

The 53-year-old was banished to the stands during the stalemate at the Theatre of Dreams after complaining to referee Mark Clattenburg at half-time over his refusal to award a penalty during the first half.

Mourinho has a long history of fines and suspensions and Saturday’s sending off was the 13th time in the Special One’s career that he’s faced punishment during a match.

The United boss has already been charged with misconduct for comments made about referee Anthony Taylor before the side’s clash with Liverpool earlier this month and he’s likely to face further charges once Clattenburg files his report from Saturday’s game.

Mourinho was sent to the stands during the 0-0 draw (Picture: Getty)

Clattenburg is expected to detail the ‘verbal altercation’ that occurred between him and Mourinho and the 53-year-old is likely to be hit with a stadium or touchline ban.

United face Swansea City next Sunday in desperate need for all three points, before hosting Arsenal at home at Old Trafford.

Depending upon the severity of the ban and Mourinho’s likely appeal, the United boss could be missing from the touchline up against his old foe Arsene Wenger at the Theatre of Dreams.

Antonio Conte a tactical genius? The glowing stats behind Chelsea’s 3-4-3 formation change

Chelsea __have vastly improved under Conte’s new system. (Getty Images)

Chelsea’s resurgence under Antonio Conte continued with an impressive 2-0 victory over Southampton on Sunday.

Goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa secured the victory which has kept Chelsea just a point behind Manchester City, who lead the Premier League via goal difference.

Chelsea’s hopes of securing at least a top-four place looked under threat earlier this season and the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at the end of September forced Conte into making a drastic formation change.

But the Italian’s new 3-4-3 system is getting the best out of Chelsea at both ends of the pitch.

GOALS CONCEDED

FOUR GAMES BEFORE FORMATION SWITCH: 7

FOUR GAMES AFTER FORMATION SWITCH: 0

Conte’s men __have not yet conceded a goal in the Premier League since the 3-4-3 system was introduced for the 2-0 victory over Hull City on October 1.

Chelsea have also reduced the number of shots they’ve faced.

Gary Cahill has looked at home in Chelsea’s back three. (Getty Images)

SHOTS ON TARGET CONCEDED

FOUR GAMES BEFORE FORMATION SWITCH: 12

FOUR GAMES AFTER FORMATION SWITCH: 8

In attack, Chelsea have scored nearly twice as many goals in the four games after the formation change, while Conte’s men have also created more chances.

GOALS SCORED

FOUR GAMES BEFORE FORMATION SWITCH: 6

FOUR GAMES AFTER FORMATION SWITCH: 11

Diego Costa has scored eight Premier League goals this term. (Getty Images)

KEY CHANCES CREATED

FOUR GAMES BEFORE FORMATION SWITCH: 5

FOUR GAMES AFTER FORMATION SWITCH: 7

AVERAGE POSSESSION

FOUR GAMES BEFORE FORMATION SWITCH: 54.6%

FOUR GAMES AFTER FORMATION SWITCH: 50.9%

‘I think it is the right way for the players because it is a good fit for the team, this system,’ Conte said before the win over Southampton.

‘We have found a good balance and also we have a good offensive situation because in every game we scored.

‘It is different when you defend with four and when you defend with three defenders but I see a lot of positive things and we want to continue on this aspect and we are working hard to improve.’

Chicago, Boston marathon winner Rita Jeptoo banned for 4 years

Rita Jeptoo tested positive for EPO in a September 2014 sample given during training for the Chicago race. (Source: Reuters)

Former Chicago and Boston Marathon winner Rita Jeptoo has had her doping ban doubled to four years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

In a ruling published Wednesday, the CAS judging panel stripped Jeptoo of her 2014 win in Boston, plus results, prize and appearance money dating back to April 17, 2014. The Kenyan runner previously lost her 2014 Chicago victory.

Jeptoo had been due to earn a $500,000 bonus for leading the World Marathon Majors series standings for the combined 2013 and 2014 seasons. She won back-to-back Boston and Chicago titles in 2013.

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Now 35, Jeptoo tested positive for EPO in a September 2014 sample given during training for the Chicago race.

CAS said it upheld the IAAF’s appeal to increase Jeptoo’s original two-year ban, which was imposed by Athletics Kenya and was to expire this week. Athletes can be banned for four years over a first offense if there are “aggravating circumstances.”

“(It) was obvious to the panel that the athlete used EPO as part of a scheme or plan,” the panel ruled, citing evidence including her long relationship with the unidentified doctor and “multiple visits to see him” which she hid from her manager and coach.

The “undisputed source” of the red blood cell-boosting hormone was an injection by her doctor, the ruling stated.

Jeptoo was also criticized for “deceptive and obstructive conduct throughout the (CAS) proceedings.”

“The athlete provided various differing accounts of the circumstances leading up to the injection and also regarding her relationship with that doctor,” the court said in a statement.

A scheduled two-day court hearing in April was postponed and two different lawyers withdrew from representing her. When a hearing in Switzerland was held in July, Jeptoo initially joined by telephone but “opted to leave the hearing during the opening statements,” the court said.

The Kenyan track body also pulled out of taking part.

Digital media to play a critical role in Sports broadcasting, says Vijay Goel

Vijay Goel said Broadcasters must focus on how sports are delivered to these audiences. (Source: PTI)

Sports Minister Vijay Goel said that digital media will play a critical role in bringing about change in sports broadcasting in India.

Goel said increasing penetration of internet, mobile devices and cheaper data services especially in rural areas will prove game changer in this direction.

Addressing the Big Picture Summit 2016 here, Goel said Broadcasters must focus on how sports are delivered to these audiences.

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Goel said that data suggests that more than 60 per cent of the Digital Audiences in India is within the age group of 13-35 years.

“This is the base that Sports needs to capture to build up the overall Business of Sports. There is a need for Brands and Advertisers to come forward and recognize the power of Sports delivered to young India with respect to both, a Return on Investment and Corporate Social Responsibility aspect,” he said.

The Sports Minister said the Government is committed to work towards building up a culture of sports and improving the business of sports.

Goel said it is his belief that Broadcasters focused on innovative ways to reach out to youth would be the real game-changers and will create a far greater impact on the overall business of Sports in India.

A majority of Sports Leagues __have been launched including Football, Kabaddi, Wrestling, Hockey, Tennis, Badminton and more.

Goel said this has been made possible by persistent efforts by various stakeholders. A large talent pool in sports such as Football, Kabaddi, Hockey, etc. has mass appeal. This has not only impacted Sports as entertainment but also the Tourism and Infrastructure sectors.

The Minister said “packaging of the Sports League as Entertainment has been the game changer. This clearly reflects in more than 450 million viewers of Indian Super League. The most interesting revelation has been Pro Kabaddi League with a viewership of more than 500 million.”

He said what is even more interesting is that some of these leagues __have more than 40 per cent female viewers on television.

“Innovative media campaigns around new sports have been the force behind the increasing Sponsorship Revenues. All Media platforms including TV, Radio, Print, Digital and off Air have played a crucial role in the success of the newer leagues. Advertisers and Investors must recognize that without a talent pool of sportspersons, this will be tough to sustain,” he said.