"Yeah, it excited me. It's a big challenge, he's [Cyrille Diabate] really experienced, he's been around the block, he's fought in PRIDE, he has been around the block he has fought for a long time, very experienced and he is a great striker. He is not too bad on the floor and his takedowns, he trains with Dan Henderson. I'm expecting a great fight, but, I don't think he is going to stand with me, I don't know. I've trained for every situation, but, I always predict a knockout, you know? To stand with me, I wouldn't. If he stands with me, he is going to come out worse. I've got too much power and explosiveness." - Jimi Manuwa via MMAFighting

British light-heavyweight Jimi Manuwa discusses his upcoming bout against UFC veteran Cyrille Diabate at UFC on Fuel TV: Barao vs. McDonald.

Manuwa (12-0) made his much anticipated UFC debut against Kyle Kingsbury at UFC on Fuel TV: Struve vs. Miocic. The former UCMMA champion came into the fight with an impressive undefeated record with all of his wins coming via stoppage.

As the bout began, Kingsbury quickly scored a takedown, but Manuwa was able to get back to his feet where he showcased the power that earn him seven consecutive knockout wins. The bout was mercifully stopped by cageside doctors at the the end of the second round after several facial fractures closed Kingsbury's left eye.

His opponent Diabate (19-8-1) has accumulated back-to-back victories after suffering a submission loss to Anthony Perosh at UFC 138.

In his last bout, Diabate dominated former Strikeforce heavyweight Chad Griggs by dropping him with a counter and sinking in a rear naked choke which forced the tap.

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