British mixed martial arts sensation Paul “Semtex” Daley (17-6-2) will make his return to the cage after a five month hiatus from the sport, according to Sherdog.com. Daley sited personal reasons for his short-lived retirement, but is apparently ready to get back into the swing of things.
In his last fight, Daley knocked out Sam Morgan with some nasty standing elbows at a January Sho XC Challenger Series event in Atlantic City, NJ. Other notable wins for the explosive Cage Rage welterweight champ include Duane Ludwig, Jess Liaudin, Mark Weir and Xavier Foupa-Pokam.
He’ll stay close to home in his re-debut, fighting on July 12 in his hometown of Nottingham, England, at Cage Warriors: “Enter the Rough House 7″ — a promotion usually geared toward up and coming fighters — against undefeated Slovenian Bojan “Zelva” Kosednar (6-0).
Here’s a quote from Daley on the decision to fight for Cage Warriors:
“I needed a fight. I needed something to bring about greater focus. I approached them [Cage Warriors]. They run a great show in my hometown, and a lot of my friends and family have never seen me fight live.”
“Zelva” is not an walk in the park for Daley’s first fight back. He has increased his level of competition in each fight since his August 2007 debut, most recently winning a decision over a very tough and experienced Fabricio Nascimento (19-6) in May.
“Semtex” will need to be in top form to be able to handle the strength Kosednar brings to the table.
Cage Warriors matchmaker Ian Dean had this to say on the July 12 return for “Semtex:”
“I wanted to make it a competitive bout and I think we have done that with a dangerous, unbeaten fighter. And to his credit, Daley leapt at the opportunity to fight him, and I think it has re-energized him as well.”
If Daley is victorious in this bout, hopefully he’ll make his way back to the states and either onto a Showtime or CBS televised card under the Elite XC banner.
3 Comments »
Good to see him back. Would like to see him matched up against Eddie Alvarez or Nick Diaz before the years is through.
AS one of Paul Semtex Daley’s Biggest American Fans, I am getting a little frustrated with this kid. For those who have yet to see this kid in action, I could best describe him as a young, ultra exciting muy tai fighter (reminds me of Anderson Silva standing), but still weak on the ground! I am getting Frustrated because I really want him to join DREAM, the UFC or Affliction. All those fights in Cage rage or Cage warriors are just stupid for him because I*MO he is above those organizations.
There are so many great fights for him at welterweight but he is wasting away in rinky dink shows. Fights I would like to see with him involved:
Semtex vs. Alvarez (goood idea sirmixalot)
I would love to see him Knock out KJ “Nancy Boy” Noons, but I dont know if Daley could get down to 160 lbs.
I wouldnt mind seeing him fight WEC champion Carlos Condit. Daley would be outclassed on the ground, but it would make for a very exciting WEC title fight
Or SEmtex vs. Marcus Davis in the UFC would be a super stand up War
This kid is young, and super exciting! He must become a househopld name! I think his management is really holding him back.
Agreed, I’ve seen him fight a couple of times over here and he does have a lot of potential, enough that he should defo be fighting in one of the major organisations in the States. However, he obviously took the time off for a reason and after this (warm up/get rid of the ring rust) fight i think he’ll be back over your way.