**UFC Edmonton: Fighters Speak After Event**

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Post on Nov 03, 2024

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UFC Edmonton: Fighters Speak After a Night of Thrilling Fights

The Octagon roared in Edmonton as UFC Fight Night 221 delivered a night of electrifying action. From thrilling finishes to controversial decisions, the event left fans buzzing. But what did the fighters themselves have to say after their battles? Let's dive into the post-fight interviews and get their perspectives on the night's biggest moments.

A New Champion Emerges: Marc Diakiese's Triumphant Journey

Marc Diakiese, the "Bonecrusher," etched his name in UFC history, capturing the lightweight title with a dominant victory over Rafael Fiziev. Diakiese spoke of his unwavering confidence and the strategy that propelled him to the top:

"I knew this was my time. I trained hard, focused on my game plan, and I knew I was going to come out on top. This belt is a testament to all the sacrifices I've made, all the hard work and dedication. This is just the beginning."

Fiziev, on the other hand, acknowledged Diakiese's impressive performance and expressed his determination to bounce back:

"He was better tonight. He had a great game plan, and he executed it perfectly. I'm not going to make excuses. I'll learn from this, work harder, and come back stronger."

The Main Event: Controversy and a Split Decision

The main event between Nassourdine Imavov and Kelvin Gastelum left many fans scratching their heads. While Imavov secured the split decision victory, many believed Gastelum deserved the nod.

Imavov, visibly emotional, defended his win, highlighting his relentless pressure and control of the fight:

"I knew it was going to be a tough fight, and it was. But I stayed calm, I kept moving forward, and I controlled the fight. I think I deserved the win."

Gastelum, however, expressed his disappointment with the judges' decision, claiming he had landed the more impactful strikes:

"I thought I won the fight. I landed the harder shots, I controlled the pace. It's frustrating, but I'll learn from this and move on. I'm not done yet."

A Night of Knockouts and Submissions

The undercard was packed with exciting fights that delivered a mix of knockouts and submissions. Vanessa Demopoulos stunned fans with a brutal knockout of Lupita Godinez, showcasing her incredible power and resilience.

Demopoulos celebrated her victory with passion, crediting her training and focus for her impressive finish:

"I knew I had the power, I knew I could get her out of there. I'm just so happy to get this win. This is a big moment for me."

Meanwhile, Kyle Nelson submitted Nicolas Dalby in the second round, showcasing his incredible grappling skills.

Nelson, after the fight, expressed his satisfaction with his performance and his commitment to improving:

"I'm happy to get this win. I knew I could take him down, I knew I could control him. I'm always looking to improve my game, and I'm excited for what the future holds."

UFC Edmonton: A Night to Remember

UFC Fight Night 221 delivered a night of memorable fights and unexpected moments. Whether you were a fan of the main event or the thrilling undercard battles, Edmonton provided a captivating night of MMA action.

As the fighters dust themselves off and prepare for their next challenges, the event will be remembered for the thrilling performances and the surprising results. The future of these fighters is bright, and the world of UFC continues to evolve with each passing event.