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paul daley

It has emerged today that Paul “Semtex” Daley (35-13-2) is rumored to be the next man in line to face Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima (26-5) early next year.

Rumors began circulating earlier this month when the Nottingham slugger posted the following cryptic message on his facebook page:

“Just signed my bout agreement for my return to Bellator……very happy, big big fight…..gonna be super focused, super prepared, and ready to sacrifice what I have to, to make sure I win this fight.”

Brazilian news outlet MMAbyNeko would add further fuel to the fire when they claimed sources close to the situation had confirmed that the fight is scheduled to take place next year at an undisclosed location.

Bellator champion Lima, claimed the vacant welterweight title with a TKO victory over former Judo Olympian Rick Hawn at Bellator 117. It was the Brazilian fifth straight victory and the champion will look to record his 6th straight win by defeating one of the world’s premiere knockout artists.

If the fight is made official it will be Paul Daley’s first appearance under the Bellator umbrella since knocking out Rudy Bears in July 2012 at Bellator 72. Unfortunately due to visa issues shortly after the win Daley was cut from Bellator but would go on to amass an impressive 5-1 record defeating Patrick Valle, Rodrigo Ribeiro, Lukasz Chlewicki, Romario Manoel da Silva and Marinho Moreira da Rocha all by KO/TKO. It was this sparkling form that convinced newly appointed Bellator CEO Scott Coker to resign Daley who now look set for a crack at welterweight gold upon his return to North America.

Photo Credit: Mark Blundell