Paul 'Semtex' Daley
British welterweight Paul ‘Semtex’ Daley (29-12-2) had been actively seeking a release from contract from Strikeforce.
On Sunday, he got his wish after his management team, Fight Management Limited, announced the parting of ways in a press release.
“I’m happy that Strikeforce has granted my request to be released from their roster as I found it difficult to fight so infrequently,” Daley stated. “My whole career I’ve wanted to fight as often as possible as it keeps me in the best form and condition.
“I felt that I put on nothing but entertaining fights while at the organization. The KOs of (Duane) Ludwig and Scott Smith were some great memories for me, as well as the back-and-forth fight of the year I had with Nick Diaz. My manager has already started speaking to some promotions about my future today following the official release papers from Strikeforce, and I’m looking forward to the next part in my journey.”
Daley had runs with both Strikeforce and the UFC promotions. His most recent bout saw him face Kazuo Misaki in a Strikeforce cage last March in Ohio. ‘Semtex’ would come up short, losing a split decision to his Japanese opponent. The loss ended a two fight win streak.
The British fighter may be better remembered for his departure from the UFC following a decision loss to Josh Koscheck back in May 2010 at UFC 113 in a welterweight contender bout. After the bell in the third round, a frustrated Daley took a swing at Koscheck only partially landing. UFC president Dana White announced his immediate dismissal from the promotion.
Daley’s manager, Wad Alemeddine, noted that he was disappointed to see Daley leave the Strikeforce promotion.
“I am personally disappointed to see Paul leave Strikeforce,” he stated. “He is without question one of the most charismatic personalities and talented MMA athletes to come out of the UK. We have parted ways with Strikeforce on good terms.
“Now that Paul is a free agent, I’m expecting plenty of interest in him from promotions both within the sport of MMA and K-1 Kickboxing, as he’s interested in competing in both. With his strong fan-following and exciting fight style I expect Semtex to be very busy wherever we go next.”