What Does The Future Hold For Bellator’s Paul Daley?

Since 2003, Paul Daley has managed to entertain wherever he goes. The former Cage Rage Welterweight Champion has competed in almost all the major MMA promotions around the world. At 37, how much longer does “Semtex” have in the sport?

Speaking with MMA Junkie, Daley (42-17-2) discussed his upcoming goals. Currently signed with Bellator MMA, Daley would like to finish up his contract with the promotion before he decides to hang up the gloves for good.

“For me, I think it’s just a matter of getting the three fights done and then just kicking back and seeing what happens,” Daley stated. “For me, three fights until my retirement because I’ve had a good run. I don’t wanna be one of these guys that stays beyond their time. There’s a lot of great, talented fighters coming up. I’d like to make space for those guys rather than be getting knocked out by those guys.

Making his professional debut at Extreme Brawl 3 while also competing in kickboxing, Daley would eventually sign with Cage Warriors and Cage Rage. He then bounced around between Strikeforce and Elite XC before debuting with the UFC in 2009. Daley only competed in three UFC fights before he was released. Returning to Strikeforce, Daley eventually made his way to Bellator in 2015.

Debuting for the promotion at Bellator 134, Daley has gone 7-4. He has only competed for welterweight gold twice; losing in elimination fights or during a tournament. The latter loss came at the hands of rival Michael “Venom” Page. The two have tension based on an apparent misunderstanding, according to Daley. A bout that many were hoping had more action, Page won via unanimous decision at Bellator 216.

The two fought in Connecticut instead of in the United Kingdom. Daley is hoping that a Page rematch is on the table before he leaves the sport.

“The dream scenario: It would be the biggest fight that I can think for the U.K. fans,” Daley went on to say. “My last fight, it has to be here and the fight that would get the most interest for the U.K. fans, and although the first time around it wasn’t the fight that people wanted to see, it’ll be one that people would show up to if we ran it back and it would be against ‘MVP.’

“If I could have that as my final fight, I think it would be the one that would garner the most interest and it’ll be interesting: Wembley Arena, Daley’s last fight, Semtex vs. MVP 2, no wrestling, no takedowns – and we’ll see how it goes.”

Daley is currently on a two-fight win streak. He recovered from the Page loss with a unanimous decision win over Erick Silva at Bellator 223. The welterweight’s last fight was at Bellator 232, beating Saad Awad via TKO.