Daley-Masvidal Set for Shark Fights 13

Paul Daley file photo: Chris Dela Cruz | Sherdog.com

British striker Paul Daley will meet American Top Team thoroughbred Jorge Masvidal at Shark Fights 13 on Sept. 11 at the Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum in Amarillo, Texas, the promotion announced on Monday.

Daley gained notice in the UFC welterweight division in 2009 with back-to-back knockout wins against Martin Kampmann and Dustin Hazelett. The run earned the 27-year-old fighter a fight with Josh Koscheck at UFC 113 in May for No. 1 contendership and a coaching role on Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter 12.”

Koscheck out-wrestled Daley to a unanimous decision nod. The Nottingham, England, native lost control of his emotions afterward and decked Koscheck after the final bell, to which UFC President Dana White promptly released Daley from his contract.

Daley was suspended on Tuesday for 30 days, according to Collette Lepianay, information agent for the Governing Body of Alcohol, Races and Games of Quebec (RACJ), which oversees combat sports in the province. Lepianay could not confirm if the suspension would be retroactive or commence on Tuesday -- which is 33 calendar days out from the Seot. 11 bout.

Most recently, Daley notched a third-round submission win over Daniel Acacio at Impact Fighting Championship 2 on July 18 in Sydney, Australia.

The 25-year-old Masvidal has enjoyed a healthy run on Japan’s circuit for the last couple of years, appearing for promotions like Sengoku and Astra. Stateside, Masvidal advanced to Bellator Fighting Championships’ season one lightweight tournament in early 2009, but was submitted with a rare inverted triangle choke by Toby Imada at Bellator 5 that May. Masvidal earned a split decision over ZST star Naoyuki Kotani at Astra 1 last April in Tokyo.

In the evening’s main event, promotional champion Trevor Prangley will face former UFC staple Keith Jardine, while 2001 U.S. judo champion Rameau Thierry Sokjoudou will meet Nebraskan striker Houston Alexander at second billing.

This article was updated Tuesday at 6:13 p.m. ET with information on Daley's suspension.