Paul Daley 'feeling old,' but won't go anywhere before ending Michael Page's hype train

There has been a lot of back-and-forth with regard to a matchup between British welterweight knockout specialists Paul Daley and Michael Page. Daley is tired of treading water when it comes to the fight, though, and hopes Bellator can make it happen sooner than later.

Daley (39-15-2 MMA, 5-2 BMMA) said he’s aware of the significance of a matchup between Page (12-0 MMA, 8-0 BMMA) and himself, and although he’s not totally thinking about retirement just yet, the 34-year-old knows his best competitive days are coming to a close. With that in mind, he wants to get all the big fights in before it’s too late.

“I’m ready to fight the guy,” Daley told MMAjunkie. “I’m feeling old; I just want to get all the big fights I can. I’ve always been good to my fans. I’ve never backed down or away from a fight. If the fans want to see the fight, I tend to make the fight happen. That’s no different with the ‘MVP’ fight.”

Daley is currently booked for a co-main event encounter with Lorenz Larkin (18-6 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) at Bellator 183, which takes place Sept. 23 at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., with the main card on Spike following prelims on MMAjunkie.

“Semtex” said he fully expects to have his way with Larkin, and once that’s done, he will turn the entirety of his focus to Page. While he does that, Page is targeted to make his professional boxing debut in October. Daley believes the only reason “Venom” is competing outside of MMA next is to ensure he doesn’t suffer a loss that could dampen the significance of their fight.

“The whole boxing thing is just propaganda,” Daley said. “The guy is just trying to buy his time. It’s a smart move. He just wants the big fight, which is me for the U.K. market and the world market. This boxing thing is just him treading water rather than take the risk of go in against other top contenders, strong wrestlers or strong ground guys. He’s just waiting for the big fight against another stand-up guy.

“We don’t get to see Mike tested against your wrestlers and guys with a strong ground game. He knows that with me, another stand-up guy who will stand and bang, his chances are better than to take on someone of an elite grappling level and get exposed. Smart move, but for me, I don’t play that game. I’ve always taken risky fights.”

Tension between Daley and Page has existed for quite some time. It reached it’s peak following Bellator 179 in May, though, when after suffering a second-round submission loss to Rory MacDonald in the main event, Daley had a post-fight encounter with Page.

Daley said the ill will with Page is authentic and not manufactured. In his mind, it’s not a matter of if, but when, he finally has the chance to share the cage with his rival. And when that time comes, he said he’s going to make an example out of the younger, less experienced fighter.

“I’m happy to end the hype train,” Daley said. “For me, when he does fight me, he’s just going to get his head completely blown off. He better keep running because the outcome will be the same whether we fight tomorrow or if we fight in a few months time. He’s going to get knocked the (expletive) out, so it doesn’t matter.”

For more on Bellator 183, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.