Paul Daley
Paul Daley | “Semtex”
Ht: 5’9 – Wt: 170 – Age: 29
Born: London, England
Fights out of: Nottingham, England
Team: Team Rough House
Overall Record: 30-12-2
Promotion: Bellator
2012 Forecast:
Paul Daley is one of the most exciting, yet controversial fighters in the world today. Daley possesses some of the best pure striking and knockout power in the division. Daley made his MMA debut in 2003, struggling to a 1-2 record. Daley soon found success, fighting for England’s Cage Rage promotion where he built a 9-2-1 record. Along with Cage Rage, Daley was also competing in various promotions, though he lost fights to Pat Healy and Satoru Kitaoka due to his lack of ground skills. Daley’s career started to pick up steam in 2007 following a knockout win over Daniel Weichel. Daley avenged a previous loss to Paul Jenkins before fighting in Strikeforce where he picked up a notable 2nd round TKO over veteran striker Duane Ludwig. Daley went on to win his next 3 fights via finish, quietly cementing himself as one of the top free agents in the world. Daley finally received his opportunity to compete on the big stage as he was signed by EliteXC to face Jake Shields. After having Shields rocked early, Daley was eventually taken down and submitted via armbar. Daley moved on to the Canadian MFC promotion, where he went 1-1, defeating John Alessio while losing a decision to Nick Thompson. Daley returned to Europe, winning his next 2 fights on the independent circuit before being signed by the UFC in 2009. Daley debuted with a bang as he decimated contender Martin Kampmann via 1st round TKO. Daley moved on to score Knockout of the Night honors over Dustin Hazelett to propel him into immediate title contention. Daley faced off against Josh Koscheck for the #1 contender spot in the UFC welterweight division. Daley was unable to combat Koscheck’s wrestling advantage, losing via unanimous decision. Following the bout, Daley attempted to sucker punch Koscheck, which ultimately led to his UFC release. Daley returned to the independent circuit, picking up wins over veterans Daniel Acacio and Jorge Masvidal before signing with Strikeforce in 2010. Daley knocked out Scott Smith in his Strikeforce debut, while also splitting time in the BAMMA promotion where he scored another knockout finish over Yuya Shirai. It should be noted that Daley missed weight for his BAMMA fight, the 3rd time he had done so in his last 6 fights. Daley returned to Strikeforce where he put on a memorable performance against Nick Diaz for the Strikeforce welterweight championship. Daley had Diaz rocked at one point, but Diaz roared back to finish Daley via TKO. Daley attempted to rebound against Tyron Woodley, but lost once again to a superior wrestler. Daley eventually bounced back with consecutive wins on the independent circuit, winning decisions over UFC veterans Jordan Radev and Luigi Fioravanti.
Daley is still signed to Strikeforce heading into 2012, but he is likely on shaky ground due to his past transgressions. Daley has continually struggled with his weight and cannot afford to have another slip-up. For Daley to have success at the highest levels of the sport he has to improve his takedown defense and ability to get up off his back. Daley has been in the sport too long to continue making the same mistakes. His striking will always make him dangerous and when booked against non-grapplers, Daley is nearly unstoppable.
Paul Daley Fight Record
Overall Record: 29-11-2
2008-2011 Record: 13-5
2011 Record: 3-2
Win | Luigi Fioravanti | Dec | Rd 3 | | 10/21/2011
Win | Jordan Radev | Dec | Rd 3 | | 09/10/2011
Loss | Tyron Woodley | Dec | Rd 3 | Sforce | 07/30/2011
Loss | Nick Diaz | Tko | Rd 1 | Sforce | 04/09/2011
Win | Yuya Shirai | KO | Rd 1 | | 02/26/2011
2010 Record: 4-1
Win | Scott Smith | KO | Rd 1 | Sforce | 12/04/2010
Win | Jorge Masvidal | Dec | Rd 3 | | 09/11/2010
Win | Daniel Acacio | Sub | Rd 3 | | 07/18/2010
Loss | Josh Koscheck | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 05/08/2010
Win | Dustin Hazelett | KO | Rd 1 | UFC | 01/02/2010
2009 Record: 3-1
Win | Martin Kampmann | Tko | Rd 1 | UFC | 09/19/2009
Win | Porfirio Alves | Tko | Rd 1 | | 04/18/2009
Win | Aurelijus Kerpe | KO | Rd 1 | | 03/29/2009
Loss | Nick Thompson | Dec | Rd 3 | | 02/20/2009
2008 Record: 3-1
Win | John Alessio | Tko | Rd 2 | | 12/05/2008
Loss | Jake Shields | Sub | Rd 2 |EliteXC| 10/04/2008
Win | Bojan Kosednar | KO | Rd 1 | | 07/12/2008
Win | Sam Morgan | KO | Rd 1 |EliteXC| 01/25/2008
