The most recent ShoXC event on Showtime was an impressive show, but one fighter stood out.
After watching this fighter score a first round knockout in a fight against a guy, Sam Morgan, who had only been knocked out two other times in 28 professional fights, I was left challenging my own fanhood because I had never seen him fight before.
That night Paul Daley (17-6-2) put Morgan on queer street with the nastiest standing elbow I’ve seen since Anderson Silva’s knockout of Tony Fryklund almost two years ago.
Daley — who hails from Nottingham, England, and is the reigning Cage Rage British welterweight champion — is one of the most feared strikers in his weight class.
He’s aggressive, hits hard and is as strong as an ox. And the scariest thing about him is that at 24-years-old he’s only going to get better.
“Semtex” turned down a contract to fight in the UFC and then signed with EliteXC, shocking many fans throughout the MMA world. It’s a decision that perhap was the best move for his young career at this time.
Here’s a snip from Daley:
“EliteXC has offered me a more flexible contract, plus the UFC 170-pound division is stacked. I want more time to develop and grow as a fighter. I want to be the greatest and I am in no rush.”
It’s difficult to argue with a guy that young who is realistic, wanting more quality fights under his belt before getting in there with the big dogs.
Daley’s last lost came to Luiz Azeredo at Cage Rage 19 in December 2006. He was taken down numerous times in the unanimous decision loss and some people questioned if Daley was just a striker and not well rounded enough to ever become great.
Here are his thoughts:
“I continue to evolve, I have good wrestling, and my Jiu Jitsu is improving. I think my wrestling is underrated, because it is something that people have not seen a lot of. For the Azeredo fight I had to cut 7kg the day before the Weigh-In, so I was very weak and drained for the fight at 73kg. I have been working on lots of stuff, I have great focus and I will prove this.”
Since that loss, Daley has reeled off an impressive five-fight win streak all of which by stoppages (strikes). And his opponents were not chumps — Daniel Weichel (14-3), Paul Jenkins (38-36-7), Duane Ludwig (16-7), Mark Weir (18-15) and Morgan.
Daley has found his confidence and is at the top of his game. He’s looking to challenge all comers in the welterweight division of EliteXC. After his most recent win, Semtex was not shy when asked about possible upcoming opponents.
Final snip:
“I’ll fight Jake Shields, Eddie Alvarez, anybody they put in front of me. I’m the fucking best, I’ll beat all of them.”
A young fighter with aspirations of being the best combined with confidence and talent like that is a recipe for success in any sport. Don’t be surprised to see Daley in the hunt for the 170-pound EliteXC title real soon.
If he isn’t already.
James Iannotti now covers EliteXC news here on MMAmania.com. In addition to regular news updates he plans to provide frequent features on certain fighters to introduce them to our readers.
22 Comments »
When do you think he might join the UFC? I think there are interesting matchups for him. But he made a smart choice if he wants to get better.
This guy looks great! Would love to see him in the UFC. He’s not going to lose in that EliteXC league.
he probably won’t go to the UFC until he’s dominated the division in EliteXC. If he waits till then he’ll have the leverage to get the contract he wants.
Really smart move not throwing himself to the wolves in the UFC at this point in his career. He can build his name and polish his skills fighting with pro elite. This guy is always exciting and will be a monster if he can get to 155 or he may already be fighting @ 160 in EXC which is good for him. Hopefully in the next 2 or 3 yrs. we see him fighting the best in the UFC.
jake shields is good….real good GL to this dude
Jake Shields would beat his ass I would think.
Im sure he will put together a few more wins & then Dana should try and resign him up.
He can be the poster boy for the UK insted of Bisping who will hopefully have bomed in the middle weight division.
[quote comment=”295536″]This guy looks great! Would love to see him in the UFC. He’s not going to lose in that EliteXC league.[/quote]
Till he fights JAke Shields! Shields will have him tapping out in the first round. Everybody forgets about Shields when talking about this division. He is the one guy who could probably who probably go thru division..
The fighter who really stood out that night was Eddie Alvarez behind the loud pro-Philly croud. He also landed a KO as well but was more exiting to watch. He was more dynamic, with his great take downs and ground game. He could take out Semtex even though he a naturaly smaller guy at 155-160. Elite XC seems to have no problems setting up fights where their fighters fight at a catch weight between the two. He’s more well rounded so he would take Daley out with a good gameplan.I think all the names mentioned in this article should and will fight in the UFC. I don’t think Semtex should call these two guys out though. Daley is a striker and Sheilds and Alvarez have more well rounded games including great striking. However, they would make great fights because none of these guys are known to make boring fights, regardless of where they sit amongst each other in rank or otherwise.
[quote comment=”295751″]Jake Shields would beat his ass I would think.[/quote]
Maybe, but he should be in there gainst Jake instead of Drew Ficket.
Paul Daley is one of my favorite fighters that I dont talk about enough. He reminds me of a young welterweight Anderson Silva. Besides GSP, Daley would probably be the best striker in the UFC welterweight division. I absolutly love this kid, and I think he has all the potential in the world to become GREAT some day!!!
-Real Talk!
Mania, that was your first time seeing Daley fight? WOW, u r in for a treat. Check out his fight against Dave strassor in Cage Rage…this kid has serious skills. Matter of fact check out all his fights. He is probably my favorite and the best fighter to never have fought in the UFC or PRIDE.
I am from Philly, and I am a big fan of Alvarez’, but Daley will kick his head off!
TUF 7 finale targets June 21 Date!
[quote comment=”296007″]Mania, that was your first time seeing Daley fight? WOW, u r in for a treat. Check out his fight against Dave strassor in Cage Rage…this kid has serious skills. Matter of fact check out all his fights. He is probably my favorite and the best fighter to never have fought in the UFC or PRIDE.[/quote]
I didn’t write this post.
John- No one kicks Alverez’s head off and it obvious you’re from Philadelphia by the psychotic sports anaysis you gave.
“I am from Philly, and I am a big fan of Alvarez’, but Daley will kick his head off”
It’s like saying I a huge Eagles fan but the Cowboys will rip Donovan McNabb’s head off.
Philly should appreciate this Alverez kid because he’s the real deal. If that fight went down, Daley would only have a chance with a lucky shot, but to dismiss Alverez the way you did is totally bunk and disrespectful to what may be the best MMA fighter in your area. Typical Philly fan talking all that —-.
Before Paul Daley can even think about a championship belt or the UFC, he needs to get by the current EliteXC champ Jake Shields. I do not think that Daley would stand much of a chance against Shields at this point in their career. Jake would not be stupid and stand there trading with Daley. He would obviously use his superior wrestling skills to put this kid on his back, and since he’s been training with Ceaser Gracie for umpteen years, he’d submit the young novice rather swiftly.
Although, I must admit that I absolutely enjoy watching Daley fight and I like the kid’s attitude - as far as knowing that he isn’t ready for the UFC. Daley vs Alvarez would be a GREAT fight. ShoXC is supposed to be like the Ultimate Fight Nights of EliteXC, featuring up and coming fighters rather than contenders. I think that both Daley and Alvarez became instant contenders after their showings on ShoXC.
[quote comment=”296058″][quote comment=”296007″]Mania, that was your first time seeing Daley fight? WOW, u r in for a treat. Check out his fight against Dave strassor in Cage Rage…this kid has serious skills. Matter of fact check out all his fights. He is probably my favorite and the best fighter to never have fought in the UFC or PRIDE.[/quote]
I didn’t write this post.[/quote]
Oh…my bad!
[quote comment=”296069″]John- No one kicks Alverez’s head off and it obvious you’re from Philadelphia by the psychotic sports anaysis you gave.
“I am from Philly, and I am a big fan of Alvarez’, but Daley will kick his head off”
It’s like saying I a huge Eagles fan but the Cowboys will rip Donovan McNabb’s head off.
Philly should appreciate this Alverez kid because he’s the real deal. If that fight went down, Daley would only have a chance with a lucky shot, but to dismiss Alverez the way you did is totally bunk and disrespectful to what may be the best MMA fighter in your area. Typical Philly fan talking all that —-.[/quote]
Is that u Eddie? Dude, I could care less where a fighter is from. I play no favorites, I just call it like I see it. Just like everyone else, I am entitled to my oppinions…as for your oppinion, I could care less…I never heard of you…so beat it!
I am supposed to biased because he lives in the same city as me….Grow UP!
Chuck vs. Shogun wioll be the main event for UFC 85 in london!
Also, The Sun reported that Dana is considering a UFC ranking system…..about Time dont u think?
[quote comment=”295846″]Im sure he will put together a few more wins & then Dana should try and resign him up.
He can be the poster boy for the UK insted of Bisping who will hopefully have bomed in the middle weight division.[/quote]
I agree. He would represent england way better then Mike “the can crusher” Bisping!
Daley deserves to be fighting for the title instead of Drew Ficket. Ultimately, I think Sheilds would submit him, but Daley does merit the shot.
only problem uk fighters have is their lack of wrestling base.
still - semtex is a wicked fighter.