“If they want to throw down, we’ll put it together”.
Although British welterweight Paul Daley lost to Rory MacDonald in the main event at Bellator 179 last night, ‘Semtex’ is still one of Bellator’s main attractions and is likely to headline another event against fellow countryman Michael ‘Venom’ Page in the near-future.
Daley, a top former UFC contender, has been vocal towards MVP and things kicked off at the Wembley Arena in London, England after his submission loss to MacDonald. The knockout artist called Page a ‘p*ssy’ in the post-fight interview and things escalated in the crowd, with Daley having to be restrained by security after launching an attack against the London Shootfighter.
Wow. Paul Daley just went for Michael Page in the front row and they had a scuffle. Pandemonium. #Bellator179 pic.twitter.com/hhA2usDDgN
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) May 19, 2017
Bellator chief Scott Coker said Daley’s actions were unprofessional but has no problem booking the Nottingham-based talent against Page, who is one of the most dynamic and exciting strikers in the sport.
“I think that’s the fight people want to see,” Coker said at the post-event media scrum. “I think it’s a fight that both those guys want to see. If they want to throw down, we’ll put it together.”
“If they both tell me that they want to do it, then we’re going to do it.”
Coker, who was the CEO of the now-defunct Strikeforce, also said he would like have both men fight in their home country of England.
“I think that that deserves to be here,” Coker said of Daley vs. Page headlining a London card. “And maybe we won’t wait so long to come back next time.”
Page, a winner of twelve straight fights, was supposed to fight Derek Anderson on Bellator 179’s main card but dropped out of the event due to injury.
Coker made no promises but hinted that Bellator are looking looking to return to the UK later this year to book Daley vs. Page, and it promises to be one of the most exciting bouts of the year.