Paul Daley Released from Strikeforce Contract

UFC and Strikeforce veteran Paul Daley, anxious to pursue other career options, has been granted his release from his contract with Strikeforce.

Daley’s manager, Wad Alameddine of Fight Management Limited, on Saturday informed MMAWeekly.com of his client’s contractual status in a prepared statement.

Daley fought just four times for Strikeforce since signing on for his second tour of duty with the promotion in late 2010, amassing a 1-3 record. He did supplement those bouts by also fighting for BAMMA in England and Ringside MMA in Canada when it didn’t conflict with Strikeforce’s schedule.

Daley’s last two Strikeforce bouts were nine months apart. He fought one other time for the promotion, back in 2007.

“I’m happy that Strikeforce has granted my request to be released from their roster as I found it difficult to fight so infrequently,” said Daley. “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.”

Despite his rocky road with Strikeforce, Daley has amassed a 29-12-2 overall record, highlighted by 20 knockouts. He’s an exciting, if not brash, fighter that can be controversial, but usually leaves people talking.

He is perhaps most infamous for his cheap shot of Josh Koscheck following their UFC 113 bout in Montreal. That incident led to Daley’s subsequent exile from the Octagon by UFC president Dana White.

“I am personally disappointed to see Paul leave Strikeforce,” added Alameddine. “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.”

For more MMA News and MMA Rumors, follow MMAWeekly.com on Twitter and Facebook.