Paul Daley
 |
Name | Paul Daley |
| Nickname | Semtex | |
| Association | Team Rough House | |
| Weight Class | Welterweight (170 lbs.) | |
| Height | 5' 9" (176cm) | |
| Style | Muay Thai, Wrestling | |
| Birth Date | February 21, 1983 | |
| Fighting Out Of | Nottingham, England | |
| Country | England | |
| Paul Daley Pictures | Official Website |
Paul "Semtex" Daley is an English mixed martial artist who has fought for EliteXC, Cage Rage, Strikeforce, Mixed Fighting Championship, Cage Warriors, Pancrase, and the UFC. Paul was first introduced to martial arts when he began taking karate at the age of 7, Paul has developed into one of the top strikers in all of the United Kingdom. Primarily based in the UK, Daley has been known to hold portions of his training camp in Holland, the number one producer of K-1 heavyweight champions and home to some of the world’s most technical Muay Thai strikers. Daley is the current Cage Rage Welterweight Champion.
He competed for the UFC, until he was released after his post-fight antics after his fight at UFC 113: Machida vs. Shogun 2.
Contents |
Professional Record
| Record | 29 - 12 - 2 (Win – Loss – Draw) |
| Wins | 20 (T)KOs 2 Submissions 7 Decisions |
| Losses | 2 (T)KOs 5 Submissions 5 Decisions |
| Result | Opponent | Method | Event Title | Date | Round | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | Kazuo Misaki | Decision (Split) | Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey | 3/3/2012 | 3 | 5:00 | |
| Win | Luigi Fioravanti | Decision (Unanimous) | Ringside MMA 12: Daley vs. Fioravanti | 10/21/2011 | 3 | 5:00 | |
| Win | Jordan Radev | Decision (Unanimous) | BAMMA 7: Trigg vs. Wallhead | 9/10/2011 | 3 | 5:00 | |
| Loss | Tyron Woodley | Decision (Unanimous) | Strikeforce and M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Henderson | 7/30/2011 | 3 | 5:00 | |
| Loss | Nick Diaz | TKO (Punches) | Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley | 4/09/2011 | 1 | 4:57 | For Strikeforce Welterweight Championship |
| Win | Yuya Shirai | KO (Punches) | BAMMA: British Association of Mixed Martial Arts 5 | 2/26/2011 | 1 | 1:46 | Non-title bout; missed weight |
| Win | Scott Smith | KO (Punch) | Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu 2 | 12/04/2010 | 1 | 2:09 | |
| Win | Jorge Masvidal | Decision (Unanimous) | SF 13: Jardine vs. Prangley | 9/11/2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Catchweight (171.75) bout; Daley failed to make weight |
| Win | Daniel Acacio | Submission (Elbow) | Impact FC 2 - The Uprising: Sydney | 7/18/2010 | 3 | 1:15 | |
| Loss | Josh Koscheck | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC 113: Machida vs. Shogun 2 | 5/08/2010 | 3 | 5:00 | To determine #1 contender for UFC Welterweight title shot; Released from UFC for post-fight antics |
| Win | Dustin Hazelett | KO (Punches) | UFC 108: Evans vs. Silva | 1/02/2010 | 1 | 2:24 | Catchweight bout (172 lbs.); Daley won Knockout of the Night Honors |
| Win | Martin Kampmann | TKO (Punches) | UFC 103: Franklin vs. Belfort | 9/19/2009 | 1 | 2:31 | UFC debut; Replaced an injured Mike Swick |
| Win | Junior Barata | TKO (Punches) | WFC 8: D-Day | 4/18/2009 | 1 | 2:29 | |
| Win | Svajunas Siacuila | KO (Knee & Punches) | UG: Ultimate Gladiators | 3/29/2009 | 1 | N/A | |
| Loss | Nick Thompson | Decision (Unanimous) | MFC 20: Destined for Greatness | 2/20/2009 | 3 | 5:00 | |
| Win | John Alessio | TKO (Punches) | MFC 19: Long Time Coming | 12/05/2008 | 2 | 2:18 | |
| Loss | Jake Shields | Submission (Armbar) | EliteXC: Heat | 10/04/2008 | 2 | 3:47 | For EliteXC Welterweight Championship |
| Win | Bojan Kosednar | KO | CWFC: Enter the Rough House 7 | 7/12/2008 | 1 | 4:53 | |
| Win | Sam Morgan | KO (Elbow) | ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series | 1/25/2008 | 1 | 2:12 | |
| Win | Mark Weir | TKO (Punches) | CR 23: Unbelievable | 9/22/2007 | 2 | 2:14 | Defended Cage Rage British Welterweight Championship and Won Cage Rage World Welterweight Championship; vacating British title |
| Win | Duane Ludwig | TKO (Punches) | Strikeforce and EliteXC: Shamrock vs. Baroni | 6/22/2007 | 2 | 0:42 | |
| Win | Paul Jenkins | Submission (Punch to the Body) | CR 21: Judgement Day | 4/21/2007 | 2 | 0:41 | Defended Cage Rage British Welterweight Championship |
| Win | Daniel Weichel | KO | FX3: Fight Night 4 | 3/10/2007 | 1 | N/A | Won FX3 Welterweight Championship |
| Loss | Luiz Azeredo | Decision (Unanimous) | CR 19: Fearless | 12/09/2006 | 3 | 5:00 | Non-title bout |
| Win | Sol Gilbert | KO (Punches) | CR 18: Battleground | 9/30/2006 | 2 | 2:59 | Defended Cage Rage British Welterweight Championship |
| Loss | Satoru Kitaoka | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | Pancrase: Blow 6 | 8/27/2006 | 1 | 2:54 | |
| Win | Ross Mason | Decision (Majority) | CR 17: Ultimate Challenge | 7/01/2006 | 3 | 5:00 | Won Cage Rage British Welterweight Championship |
| Win | Dave Strasser | Decision (Unanimous) | CR 16: Critical Condition | 4/22/2006 | 3 | 5:00 | |
| Win | Blake Fredrickson | Decision (Unanimous) | GF: Brawl at the Mall 2 | 3/19/2006 | 2 | 2:00 | |
| Loss | Jean Silva | TKO (Dislocated Thumb) | CR 15: Adrenalin Rush | 2/04/2006 | 2 | 4:40 | |
| Win | Joey Van Wanrooij | Decision (Unanimous) | CR 14: Punishment | 12/03/2005 | 3 | 5:00 | |
| Win | Peter Angerer | TKO (Punches) | FX3: Battle of Britain | 10/15/2005 | 1 | 3:28 | |
| Loss | Pat Healy | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | SF 11: Rumble at the Rose Garden | 7/09/2005 | 2 | 3:15 | |
| Win | Sami Berik | TKO | FX3: Xplosion | 6/18/2005 | 1 | 3:03 | |
| Draw | Paul Jenkins | Draw | CR 11: Face Off | 4/30/2005 | 3 | 5:00 | For Cage Rage British Welterweight Championship |
| Draw | Abdul Mohamed | Draw | CWFC 9: Xtreme Xmas | 12/18/2004 | 5 | 5:00 | For Cage Warriors Welterweight Championship |
| Win | Jess Liaudin | TKO (Doctor Stoppage) | CR 9: No Mercy | 11/27/2004 | 1 | 5:00 | |
| Win | Paul Jenkins | TKO | CWFC 8: Brutal Force | 9/18/2004 | 2 | N/A | |
| Win | Xavier Foupa-Pokam | KO (Punch) | CR 7: Battle of Britain | 7/10/2004 | 1 | N/A | |
| Win | Lee Doski | TKO (Punches and Elbows) | UKMMAC 6: Extreme Warriors | 2/29/2004 | 1 | 0:41 | |
| Loss | James Nicholl | Submission (Rear Naked Choke) | UKMMAC 5: Mean Intentions | 11/02/2003 | 2 | 3:41 | |
| Loss | Florentim Amorim | Submission (Rear Naked Choke) | CWFC 4: UK vs. France | 7/27/2003 | 1 | N/A | |
| Win | John Connelly | TKO (Punches) | EB 3: Extreme Brawl 3 | 6/29/2003 | 1 | N/A | |
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Paul Daley began competing in mixed martial arts in 2003 competing in numerous promotions across England, most notably Cage Rage. After going 5-2, Daley fought Abdul Mohamed to a draw for the Cage Warriors Welterweight Championship. In his next bout he also fought to a draw, against Paul Jenkins, who he had previously defeated, for the Cage Rage British Welterweight Championship.
After having two titles slip through his fingers due to Draws, Daley finally tasted gold in 2006, defeating Ross Mason, earning himself the Cage Rage British Welterweight Championship. He successfully defended his title against Sol Gilbert and Paul Jenkins, before fighting feared striker Duane Ludwig at an EliteXC/Strikeforce event, where he defeated Ludwig via TKO (Punches). After defeating Ludwig, he returned to Cage Rage to defend his title against Mark Weir. He defeated Weir via TKO (Punches), and win earned him the Cage Rage World Welterweight Championship, while vacating the British title.
Daley next faced off against Sam Morgan at an EliteXC Challenger's Series event, where he won in a decisive manner by way of KO (Elbow). Surprisingly, sometime after the fight, Daley announced his retirement from Mixed Martial Arts and Muay Thai competition. Daley’s public announcement in full:
- This is for the fighters, fans, promoters and trolls alike.
- As of now I will be stepping down as Cage Rage Champion (British and world), FX-3 Champion and KOTR champion. I vacate all these titles. Further more I consider my self retired (from all MMA/Thai boxing) as of March 29th. March 29th I will fulfill my contracted commitment for Pro Elite, against a yet unnamed opponent.
- No speculation, No further announcements, once I’ve found the path I originally set out on in the Martial Arts, I may return to this SPORT, maybe 6 months - maybe 6 years, who knows. Who will be the next welterweight CRC champ? FX-3 champ?...
- Thanks
- Paul Daley
Daley ended up returning to MMA six months later, winning a quick KO win in the first round. His impressive performances earned him a title shot at Jake Shields's EliteXC Welterweight Championship. Daley would lose the fight via Submission (Armbar).
He next fought former UCC and KOTC Welterweight Champion and former UFC and WEC title challenger John Alessio, defeating him via TKO (Punches). Daley was then defeated in his next bout against former Bodog Fight Welterweight Champion Nick Thompson, losing a unanimous decision.
Daley then won his next two fights against lesser known opponents in smaller promotions before signing to fight former IFL Welterweight Champion Jay Hieron. The fight was expected to take place at Affliction: Trilogy on August 1, 2009, but the event was cancelled when Josh Barnett, who was expected to fight WAMMA Heavyweight Champion Fedor Emelianenko, tested positive for anabolic steroids, and according to Tom Atencio, they just "didn't have enough time to promote a new fight to our standards.”
UFC Career
After the demise of Affliction it was learned that Daley signed a four-fight contract with the UFC. His first opponent was to be Matt Hughes trained Brian Foster at UFC 103: Franklin vs. Belfort, but when Mike Swick was injured and was forced off his fight with Martin Kampmann, Daley replaced Swick.
Pre-fight, Daley had this to say:
- “It is a better fight for me than the Foster fight. I won’t be fighting the best Kampmann, because with so much to lose he will be very nervous and unsettled at the start. This would have been a number one contender fight, but now he’s in a position that if he wins he kinda stays where he is. That’s tough psychologically for a fighter. I can exploit that in a hurry if that happens."
- “I’ve got a lot on the line too. A lot of people have written on the forums that this is a win/win for me, that even a good showing on such short notice is going to be a good result for me. But I could never be happy with a loss, no way. I’d be disgusted with myself if I was ever happy that I lost."
The Kampmann vs. Swick fight was supposed to determine the #1 contender for the UFC Welterweight title, but Daley ended Kampmann's run at the title, upsetting and derailing his two-fight win streak since moving down a weight class, with a TKO (Punches) victory at 2:31 of the first round.
Daley's next bout was scheduled for UFC 108: Evans vs. Silva, against the last and former WEC Welterweight Champion Carlos Condit. In early December of 2009, Condit announced that he had to pull out of the bout due to an injury sustained in training. On a post on "The Underground" later that day, Daley lashed out at Condit, as well as tried to get attention towards possible replacement fights:
- "Step up!! You pussy…UFC 108 … You know me, I’d except any fight. I just wanna fight. Condit is a big pussy IMO, i have inside information on that dude….it’s all good as long as i fight. Koshcheck…is a tough motherfucker, but i accept the challange. Hazellet has sick subs, and is dangerous, but i except that fight too. Any top level figher in 170lbs with a winning record. Joe make it happen."
It was announced soon after that Dustin Hazelett, who was supposed to fight Karo Parisyan the event before, until his opponent dropped out the day of, would replace Carlos Condit. Daley failed to make weight at the weigh-ins, surrendering 10% of his purse to his opponent, making the bout a Catchweight affair of 172 lbs. Hazelett started the bout off with a rolling attack, that missed, and he tried to keep Daley at a distance with kicks, but Daley's far superior technical striking helped him land a left hook that dropped Hazelett. A few more unanswered shots, and Herb Dean stopped the action at 2:24 of the first round. The KO earned Daley the Knockout of the Night Honors.
Post-fight, Daley said he wanted to fight Thiago Alves, as he had yet to show the full array of his striking, and a bout with Alves would allow him to do this. UFC President Dana White, though, had a different idea in mind, saying that he would rather Daley fight Josh Koscheck or Jon Fitch.
- "My big problem in this division right now is the two best guys out there are probably Koscheck and Fitch, and trying to get them to fight each other is a nightmare," White said. "I'd really like to see that fight, but we can put Daley against one of them and see what happens."
UFC 113 and Aftermath
It was announced mid-January 2010 that Daley would in fact face off against Josh Koscheck as a co-headliner at UFC 113: Machida vs. Shogun 2 in May 2010, to not only determine the number one contender to face off against Georges St. Pierre for the UFC Welterweight title, but to coach opposite of the champion in the next The Ultimate Fighter. Koscheck showed his dominance, though he won little fans in the process, as for three rounds he used his Wrestling to keep Daley on the mat and unable to use his stand-up, which he was known for. In the end Koscheck earned a Decision (Unanimous), but the bout had it's fair share of controversy.
After Koscheck scored a takedown, Daley escaped a Rear Naked Choke attempt and appeared to connect on an illegal knee to the face of his downed opponent. Koscheck crashed to the mat in apparent pain, and referee Dan Miragliotta instantly deducted a point. Replays, though, showed that the blow only grazed Koscheck at best. In fact, an overhead camera appeared to show Daley whiffing completely on the strike, and UFC broadcaster Joe Rogan complimented Koscheck's acting abilities. (After the round, Miragliotta saw the replay and actually alerted cageside officials that the point deduction had been nixed.)
After the fight ended and the competitors returned to their feet, Daley unloaded a cheap shot that struck Koscheck in the face. Miragliotta immediately shoved Daley into the fence and chided the fighter. In fact, the towering ref wouldn't release the fighter until he promised he wouldn't go after Koscheck again.
His post-fight antics cost him his UFC contract as he was released right after by UFC President Dana White.
- "He's done," White said after the event. "I don't give a [expletive] if he's the best 170-pounder in the world. He'll never come back here again."
- "There's no excuse for that. These guys are professional athletes. You don't ever hit a guy blatantly after the bell like that, whether you're frustrated or not. It was probably one of the dumbest things I've ever seen because he is a talented guy, and he is one of the best 170-pounders in the world."
Daley also is likely to face a suspension and fine, though Montreal's athletic commission has yet to rule on it.
Shortly after the fight, and once Daley had made it back to England he apologized for his actions. (Click the following link to read the apology: Daley's Apology)
Post-UFC Career
Shortly after receiving the tangible walking papers, Daley began to search for fights outside of North America, where the athletic commissions could not stop him from making money, as competing is his only form of income. He announced that he would be competing in Australia on July 3, 2010, though no opponent had been named at the time of the announcement.
- “My plan is to string a couple of fights together before the end of the summer and hopefully get on one of the grand prix shows," Daley said. "We’re currently talking to both DREAM and Sengoku about getting a slot on their shows and there are some really good fighters there I can match-up with.”
- “They must understand that as a fighter I have to earn a living. This is my livelihood and if I have to serve a suspension before I fight again in North America then I will, I have no qualms about that, but I need to earn a living now.”
His first fight after his release took place at Impact FC 2 - The Uprising: Sydney, where he faced PRIDE veteran Daniel Acacio in the night's co-headliner. Daley endured two fairly even rounds before his opponent pulled guard in the third. Once on the mat, Daley unloaded a vicious elbow strike that opened a deep gash on Acacio's forehead that prompted the welterweight fighter to submit verbally.
Daley returned to action on September 11, 2010 at Shark Fights 13: Jardine vs. Prangley, where he faced off against Jorge Masvidal, who was returning to Welterweight, after competing at Lightweight for a while. Daley ended up failing to make weight, and was forced to give up 10% of his purse. Daley took the first frame with his busier style and forward movement. By the second, Masvidal played to Daley's weakness, and took the fight to the mat, though he did very little there. In the final round, Daley came out firing, but Masvidal again used his wrestling attack. In a surprising move, Daley then reset on the feet. Of course, it allowed for the ironic end of the matchup that seemed to seal the result when Daley took his opponent down and delivered punches until the final bell. In the end, Daley was awarded the Decision (Unanimous) win over Masvidal, with scores of 30-27, 29-28, 29-28.
With the win, Daley was inked to a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce, as well was his opponent Masvidal.
Championships and Accomplishments
- Cage Rage British Welterweight Champion
- Cage Rage World Welterweight Champion
- FX-3 World champion
- King of the Ring
- European and World Muay Thai Champion
