Do You Know The Real Paul ‘Semtex’ Daley?

When thinking of welterweight contender Paul Daley, what is the first thing that comes to mind? For most, it’s the strike to Josh Koscheck after their fight during UFC 113, and not the aggressive striker, or acclimated Muay Thai fighter that he is. The irony is, the Diaz brothers (Nick and Nate), for example, engaged in a brawl during a Strikeforce card that wasn’t even remotely justifiable, and yet, not even a slap on the wrist for their lack of self-control. Was Daley wrong in his actions? Absolutely, and he has taken his punishment respectfully, but what about Koscheck? If you watched that fight and assumed Daley 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 that 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, the exact same policies are in effect for fighter’s behaviourisms during the actual fight. One being that a fighter is not permitted to speak to their opponent during the bout unless it is fight related. Perhaps these rules don’t apply to Koscheck, as he had Daley tightly in his guard and continued to verbally assault him minute after minute. After the bell, Daley had enough, and struck Koscheck. Daley’s temper got the best of him, but the public has yet to hear any apology from Koscheck regarding his unprofessional tactics during the fight.

While Daley has successfully moved on and obtained a contract with Strikeforce, the actual truth behind his dismissal from the UFC is mind-blowing. MMA fans tuned in to watch what harsh words White would serve Daley with at the press conference, and he made it very clear that

“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, he neglected to utilize that same professionalism with one individual: Paul Daley. What many imagined had 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, notified him. To take it a step further, Paul has not spoken to, or heard, even one peep from White since UFC 113. As a result of his actions, Daley apologized to Koscheck publicly, got fired from the UFC, and ended up serving a thirty day suspension issued by Quebec’s Athletic Commission.

The Interview

Paul Daley’s record is currently 25-9-2, and the 27 year old contender is ready to face off against Scott Smith at the December 4th Strikeforce event: Henderson vs Babalu. We caught up with the heavy hitter during his busy schedule, here’s what he had to say:

Fight Girl: 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?

Paul Daley: I would have liked to have been out to the USA earlier instead of the Wednesday before the fight, but the US Embassy took a while with my visa, but they came good in the end.

FG: It’s no secret you’re 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 the techniques you work on when training?

PD: I am always working to improve in all areas, the more I fight the better I get.

FG: You recently completed wrestling training in Texas over the summer. What are your thoughts on fans and even other fighters (Bisping for example) making remarks regarding UK fighters selling out by training in the States?

PD: I train all over the world. I train where I can concentrate without interference and get the best out of my coaches, whether it’s in the USA, Holland or Thailand.

FG: 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?

PD: I have a deeper passion for life, I have a lot I want to achieve and I am confident I will.

FG: Now that the public is aware of your upcoming fight against Scott Smith, should they brace themselves for an all out slug fest?

PD: I don’t really get into slugging matches. I hope to go in, get the job done quickly, and winning without having it go to the scorecards.

FG: Dream fight, you versus who?

PD: I want to be the champ wherever I fight, so I guess right now that would be Nick Diaz.

FG: Is it safe to assume in the event that your good friend Dan Hardy fights Josh Koscheck that you will be in Dan’s corner?

PD: I would love to be, I think that would make for an awesome fight.

FG: Last question, what is one thing the MMA community would be surprised to learn about Paul Daley?

PD: 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

Daley KO’s Hazelett