Paul Daley at Strikeforce debut. Photo: Esther Lin/Strikeforce
One of the top world-ranked welterweight, Paul Daley, has signed a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce.
The 5-foot-9, 27-year-old native of London who fights out of Nottingham, England, has won two straight and six of his last seven. Overall, the cocky, brash seven-year pro is 25-9-2.
Nicknamed “Semtex” after an explosive that British armed forces use to demolish large structures, Daley is coming off a unanimous three-round decision over recent Strikeforce signee, Jorge Masvidal, last Saturday, Sept. 11. It was the first time since July 1, 2006, that Daley had won a fight on points.
Daley is a freelance mixed martial artist whose style is an aggressive mix of striking, striking and more striking.
“I am a striker – there is no secret about that,” the exciting British bomber said. “I like to knock people out aggressively and quickly. That’s my game and no opponent’s going to change that. Almost all my fights are exciting and memorable with non-stop action.”
Daley specializes in muay thai (Dutch style). He utilizes lead leg kicks often and possesses devastating knees and quick, heavy hands.
“I’m looking forward to fighting and would really love to fight Nick Diaz (Strikeforce current champion),” Daley said. “He’s a big name and a great fighter. Diaz would bring out the best in me and would be a great test.”
Daley, who has compiled a highlight reel of impressive knockout victories, has competed against some of the best since turning professional in June 2003. Three of his most significant victories came against Masvidal, a 2:24, first-round KO (punches) over Dustin Hazelett on Jan. 2, 2010, and a 2:31, first-round TKO (punches) over Martin Kampmann on Sept. 19, 2009.
A former Cage Rage champion, Daley appeared on a Strikeforce co-promoted card on June 22, 2007. On the undercard of Frank Shamrock vs. Phil Baroni in San Jose, Calif., he registered a second-round TKO (punches) over Duane “Bang”Ludwig.
Daley was introduced to martial arts when he began taking karate at the age of 7. Besides England, he also trains in Holland. For a time several years ago, Daley was involved in a project with Mothers Against Guns in London.