LONDON–In world exclusive news, Paul “Semtex” Daley is set to welcome Rory MacDonald to Bellator MMA, when the promotion return to London on May 19.

The news was confirmed by Scott Coker at the Bellator MMA press conference in South Kensington, today. 

Daley (39–14–2) is coming off a sensational jumping knee knockout of Brennan Ward at Bellator 170. Meanwhile, the fight – which will take place at Wembley Arena – will spell the first fight for MacDonald (18–4) in over a year.

Paul Daley gets super-fight with MacDonald

With the majority of the rumours and reports focusing on a potential clash between Daley and Michael “Venom” Page, the announcement of opponent MacDonald comes as a major shock. 

The last time Daley fought on home soil at Bellator 158 in London, he suffered a lopsided decision loss to Douglas Lima last July, which halted his welterweight title aspirations.  

As for the “Red King,” he will finally make his promotional debut after signing with Bellator last August. The 27-year-old Canadian enters the bout off two losses, a 2015 fight of the year defeat to Robbie Lawler and a unanimous decision loss against Stephen Thompson.

The bout will also mark the first time MacDonald has fought in the United Kingdom.

What does this mean for MVP? 

Despite massive rumours that MVP would be the one to face Daley in London, the 12-0 undefeated welterweight expressed his disappointment over the Nottingham man’s recent remarks.

In an exclusive interview with MMA Plus, Page admitted that he thought him and Daley were on good terms. 

In recent weeks, Page has taken to social media and dubbed “Semtex” as “Paula” for apparently ducking the fight. He also claimed: “It’s going to keep going until we’re in that cage.”

A fight between Daley and Page is certainly a money maker for Bellator, but with the return of MacDonald it’s easy to see why they have put the potential all-British super-fight on ice.