There's a new king of PFL, at least that's what he self-procclaims.
Regardless of whether you're the biggest supporter or biggest skeptic, there's no denying Moustapha Diakhate made an impact Friday at PFL New York.
From the opening entrance to the post-fight interview, Diakhate (6-0-1) turned some heads at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. Diakhate entered with drummers, decked out in traditional Senegalese garb. With a jingasa hat, chains, and blond hair, the visuals Diakhate created were not run-of-the-mill.
"The clothes I wore, they were original from the King of Senegal," Diakhate told reporters after the fight (h/t Home of Fight). "Putting the clothes on me, I represented more my people and the kings of Senegal. ... Everybody says to me, 'Moustapha,
why don't you go and do a movie?' I say, 'Maybe, one day.' I'm Moustapha Diakhate. I don't have an inspiration. I'm my inspiration. I try representing my people of Senegal, Africa. You know, 'Wakanda forever'? Let's go."
When it came time to fight, Diakhate delivered. He finished short-notice replacement Darryl Walker with ground-and-pound punches at 2:35 of Round 1. It was quite the exclamation point on a week full of uncertainty after multiple opponent withdrawals.
"It was very difficult," Diakhate said. "... Six fighters said no. Thank you for my opponent, Darryl. He's the best. He's the man. He accepted this fight on one or two days before the fight. I'm ready to be here at my home. New York is my home. New York has more Senegalese people."
Diakhate's debut couldn't have come at a better time for PFL, having announced its merger with MVP just two days prior. With the backing of Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, the promotion seeks stars now more than ever – and Diakhate was able to tell Paul to his face in the cage after the fight that MVP already has at least one.
"It's very good for every fighter," Diakhate said. "MVP and PFL, two of the three best organizations in the world fusing is very good for me, for every fighter. I'm happy for the news. ... Jake Paul is a good guy. I like Jake Paul. Jake Paul is my guy. ... I said, 'Jake Paul, I'm the new king of PFL.' Jake Paul said to me, 'I believe you, Moustapha. You are the new king of PFL. I believe you.'"
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Moustapha Diakhate declared kingship to Jake Paul after PFL New York win
