Less than a week after requesting and being granted his release from Strikeforce, welterweight slugger Paul Daley (Pictured) has already found a new home. On Friday, Bellator Fighting Championships announced they had signed Daley to a multi-fight agreement.
“I’ve been a ‘Semtex’ fan for years,” said Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney. “He’s an incredibly explosive fighter who is magic to watch inside the cage. So, when the opportunity presented itself to join forces with Paul, it was a simple decision to make.
“Paul’s one of those fighters I’ve always intentionally stayed home to watch and now I can watch him cageside at Bellator.”
Daley owns an extensive 29-12-2 professional record, but the Brit has dropped three of his last five scraps. However, the 29-year-old is looking for a fresh start and has championship aspirations on his mind.
“I’ve been a fan of Bellator for a long while,” Daley said. “When this chance came up, I was absolutely ready to make a long term commitment to Bellator. I have my sights set on winning the tournament and winning that Bellator title.
“The tournament format is something that really stood out to me, and it’s a chance to face some of the best fighters in the sport. There isn’t anyone sitting at the top of the mountain top making decisions on who fights who, the fighters get to decide who is going to be the next champion, and that’s how it should be. Bellator does it right, and that’s why I’m here.”
Daley claimed he wanted out of Strikeforce because of his inconsistent work schedule. Well, his new boss is wasting no time in putting him to work. “Semtex” will make his Bellator debut against a yet-to-be determined opponent on July 20th at “Bellator 72.”
Original Story:
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June 15, 2012
