Paul Daley vs. Yuya Shirai

Paul Daley(26-9-2) has stayed busy since being cut by the UFC. He will now step into the cage with Yuya Shirai(20-8) in his native England according to FightersOnly.

Following the debacle at UFC 113 with Josh Koscheck many felt that Paul Daley’s(#9 ranked WW) MMA career was finished. Yet, Daley got right back on the horse and racked up a couple of wins before signing with Strikeforce. Daley knocked out Scott Smith in his Strikeforce debut and is on the verge of a title shot if he doesn’t falter against Shirai.

Yuya Shirai is one of Japan’s most talented fighters. Unfortunately for Shirai, that’s not saying a lot considering Japan’s current MMA scene above 155. Yuya does possess solid submission skills, which is a weakness of Daley’s.

Paul Daley’s submission defense has improved immensely over the last few years. He still struggles with strong grapplers, and Shirai is not that. If this fight goes to the ground Daley is likely too strong and athletic to be held there. So, I expect a brutal knockout which should ultimately lead to a showdown with Nick Diaz or Evangelista Santos, both of whom will provide exciting fights for Daley.