Background
Direkci was born in Antwerp, Belgium as the youngest son of three siblings to a family originally from Konya, Derebucak, Turkey.
Direkci was born in Antwerp, Belgium as the youngest son of three siblings to a family originally from Konya, Derebucak, Turkey.
After completing his school education, Direkçi studied at technical school with the intention of becoming an electrician.
After a short while, he found a job as a doorman at a nightclub in Antwerp, however, and took up this career. Direkci began training in martial arts at the age of 15 and was originally trained by January Gooyvaers. In 1999, he began training under January Pasztjerik.
After winning two more fights in K-1, over Joerie Mes and Satoruvaschicoba, he took part in the final 16 of the 2008 K-1 World MAX at K-1 World MAX 2008 World Championship Tournament Final 16 in April 2008 but lost to Yoshihiro Sato via decision.
He made his first defence of the title against Morocco"s Chahid Oulad El Hadj at lieutenant"s Showtime 2009 Lommel in October 2009, before losing it to Congolese Muay Thai fighter Chris Ngimbi at Yiannis Evgenikos presents: lieutenant’s Showtime Athens in December 2010. Direkci lost a decision to Robin van Roosmalen at lieutenant"s Showtime 2012 in Leeuwarden on January 28, 2012.
Following the fight, he announced his retirement. He would then come out of retirement, however, to face Nieky Holzken at Glory 2: Brussels on October 6, 2012 in Brussels, Belgium.
He apparently decided that he will no longer cut weight for his fights and will fight Holzken at 78 kg as opposed to his usual division of 70 kg.
He lost via TKO due to a cut in the second round. He lost to Canadian prospect Joseph Valtellini via TKO due to corner stoppage in round two at Glory 6: Istanbul in Istanbul, Turkey on April 6, 2013.