Paul Daley released from Strikeforce contract

Paul Daley (29-12-2, 20 KOs) has been granted a release from his contract with Strikeforce. Daley’s manager, Wad Alameddine of Fight Management Limited, on Saturday sent out a press release of his client’s contractual status. Alameddine stated: “I am personally disappointed to see Paul leave Strikeforce. He is without question one of the most charismatic personalities and talented MMA athletes to come out of the UK.  We have parted ways with Strikeforce on good terms. Now that Paul is a free agent, I’m expecting plenty of interest in him from promotions both within the sport of MMA and K-1 Kickboxing, as he’s interested in competing in both.  With his strong fan-following and exciting fight style I expect Semtex to be very busy wherever we go next.”

Daley has fought four times for Strikeforce since signing on with the promotion in late 2010. While signed to Strikeforce he competed in BAMMA in England and Ringside MMA in Canada when his and Strikeforce's schedule allowed. He fought one other time for the promotion, back in 2007.

Daley became infamous for sucker-punching Josh Koscheck following their UFC 113 bout, which Koschek won by decision. Daley was fired from the UFC by Dana White, as a result.

Daley's grievance with Strikeforce was that he was not able to fight as often as he liked: “I’m happy that Strikeforce has granted my request to be released from their roster as I found it difficult to fight so infrequently. My whole career I’ve wanted to fight as often as possible as it keeps me in the best form and condition. I felt that I put on nothing but entertaining fights while at the organization. The KO’s of Ludwig and Scott Smith were some great memories for me, as well as the back and forth fight of the year I had with Nick Diaz.  My manager has already started speaking to some promotions about my future today following the official release papers from Strikeforce, and I’m looking forward to the next part in my journey.”