The MMA News would like to welcome our newest contributor Jaclyn Hughes to the site. Jaclyn is a big fan of mixed martial arts and has written for other sites in the past.
Recently she interviewed Strikeforce’s latest welterweight acquisition Paul “Semtex” Daley and has let us repost that article here.
Give the interview a read and let us know what you think of Jaclyn’s work!
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Do you know the real Paul ‘Semtex‘ Daley?
When thinking of welterweight contender Paul Daley, what is the first thing that comes to mind? The strike to Josh Koscheck after their fight during UFC 113 most likely, not the aggressive striker or acclimated Muay Thai fighter that he truly is. What’s ironic is the Diaz brothers for example (Nick and Nate), engaging in fights during cards that weren’t even remotely justifiable and yet, not even a slap on the hand for their lack of self-control? Was Paul wrong? Absolutely and he has taken his punishment respectfully, but what about Josh? Yes, Josh too. If you watched that fight and assumed Paul got up and did what he did as a result of simply being out-wrestled, your assumption could not be farther from the truth.
While watching the fight live, it certainly appeared Daley lost his mind and the shame of it is, very few people actually know why that is. Just as there are strict rules in the UFC regarding a punch thrown after the bell will clearly not be permitted, there are the exact same policies in effect for fighters behaviorism’s during the actual fight. A fighter is not permitted to speak to their opponent during the bout unless it is fight related (Using abusive language in the ring or fenced area). Perhaps these rules don’t apply to Josh, as he had Paul tightly in his guard and continued to verbally bash him minute after minute of the fight. The bell rings, Paul has had enough and goes after Josh swinging. Daley’s temper got the best of him certainly, but the public has yet to hear any apology from Josh regarding his unprofessional tactics during the fight or even Dana White, who is well aware of the remarks Josh illegally made to Paul during the fight.
(more after the jump )
While Daley has successfully moved on and obtained a contract with the Strikeforce organization, the actual truth behind his dismissal from the UFC is mind-blowing. MMA fans tuned into watch what harsh words Dana would serve Paul with at the press conference, and he made it very clear stating “He’ll never come back, I don’t care if he’s the best 170-pounder in the world, he’s never coming back here.” While White was on point with his comments in front of the entire world, he neglected to utilize that same professionalism with one individual…Paul Semtex Daley. That‘s right, what many imagine occurred actually did not, Paul was made aware of his termination not by the UFC, but by a fan. Yes a fan, anxiously awaiting Daley’s autograph is how Paul was notified. In fact to take it a step further, Paul has not spoken to or heard even one peep from White since the second he walked out of the octagon at UFC 113. As a result of his actions, Daley apologized to Koscheck publicly just after the incident as well as losing his UFC career and serving a thirty day suspension issued by the Athletic Commission of Quebec.
Some other things to consider in the future when the name Paul Daley comes to mind- he began training in karate at the age of seven, he has trained in Holland and fights out of Team Rough House in Nottingham, England. He has also contributed to the Mothers Against Guns Project as well as recently opening a school for training in the Nottingham area called The Spirit Dojo Mixed Martial Arts Academy. His record is currently 25-9-2, and the 27 year old contender is ready to face off on December 4th against Scott Smith at the Strikeforce event: Henderson versus Babalu. Catching up with the heavy hitter during his busy schedule and recent trip to Egypt, this is what he had to say:
1- Paul, what in the world are you doing in Egypt?
On holiday with my girlfriend, having some down time.
2- Congratulations on your win over Jorge Masvidal. Imagining it has been quite some time since you have won a fight over a point advantage, is there anything you would change looking back at the fight now?
I would of liked to have been out to the USA earlier instead of the Wednesday before the fight, but the US Embassy were taking a while with my visa, but they came good in the end.
3- It is no secret you are an aggressive striker. Some would say if your ground skills were parallel with your stand up you would be unstoppable. Do these opinions alter your views or techniques you work on in your training camps?
I am always working to improve in all areas, the more I fight the better I get.
4- You are one of the very few fighters that has competed in both the UFC and the Strikeforce franchises, how has the reception been for you from your fans since making the change?
I have yet to experience the Strikeforce fans properly, but I’m guessing they will be just as cool as the UFC fans.
5- You recently completed wrestling training in Texas over the summer. What are your thoughts on fans and even other fighters (Mike Bisping for example) making remarks regarding UK fighters selling out by training in the States?
I train all over the world. I train where I can concentrate without interference and get the best out of my coaches, whether that be in the USA, Holland or Thailand or if I fly them to me.
6- You’re a busy man with the recent success of your training club “The Spirit Dojo Mixed Martial Arts Academy” in Nottingham. Would you say you have a deeper passion for training others or for competing at this stage in your life?
I have a deeper passion for life, I have a lot I want to achieve and I am confident I will.
7-Now that the public is aware of your upcoming fight against Scott Smith, should they brace themselves for an all out slug fest?
I don’t really get into slugging matches. I hope to go in and get the job done quickly, winning without having it go to the scorecards.
8-Dream fight, you versus who?
I want to be the champ wherever I fight, so I guess right now that would be Nick Diaz.
9-What is one thing the MMA community would be surprised to learn about Paul Daley?
I don’t know, but if I think of something…you’ll be able to read about it on my blog at www.semtex.tv
10- Is it safe to assume in the event the fight the MMA world is craving to happen featuring your good friend Dan Hardy against Josh Koscheck you will be in Dan’s corner or at least in the front row laughing?
I would love to be, I think that would make for an awesome fight.
