This is the first UFC fighter to pose for a gay magazine

The up-and-coming fighter has been snapped for the March issue of Gay Times to promote UFC Fight Night in London, and says there is "no difference" between himself and homosexual athletes.

The 23-year-old lightweight - who was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo but is based in Doncaster - is on the rise with a perfect 11-0 record, winning five of his bouts by knockout.

However, the man nicknamed ‘Bonecrusher’, who made his name in BAMMA before graduating to UFC, has revealed a more tolerant side to his personality outside of the octagon.

"I like the idea that as people, we are all one," he told the magazine, who have made him March’s ‘GT Fitty’.

“There's a lot of people who are single-minded. We're all the same, really, and as long as I get on with you and you get on with me, I'm fine. There's no difference.”

“We’re in a new era in 2017. You can do and be whatever you want to be. We are all people, we are all the same, and so I’m pleased to be here and be featured in the magazine,” he added.

UFC already has an openly gay champion, Amanda Nunes, who sensationally defeated Ronda Rousey in just 48 seconds at UFC 207 to defend her women's bantamweight title.

Diakiese will fight Finland’s Teemu Packalen as part of the undercard to Jimi Manuwa's light-heavyweight battle with Corey Anderson at the O2 in London on 18 March.

Follow UFC London with BBC Three - home of UFC on the BBC.