Welterweight Paul ‘Semtex’ Daley Released from Strikeforce Contract

According to the heavy-handed welterweight, Daley’s release was due in part to his desire to fight more frequently.

“I’m happy that Strikeforce has granted my request to be released from their roster as I found it difficult to fight so infrequently,” Daley stated in a release. “My whole career, I’ve wanted to fight as often as possible, as it keeps me in the best form and condition.”

The news comes on the heels of Daley’s split-decision defeat to former Pride Fighting Championships talent Kazuo Misaki, who edged “Semtex” in a March 3 unanimous decision at Strikeforce “Tate vs. Rousey.”

Daley exits the organization following three consecutive losses for the Zuffa-owned promotion. The Team Rough House fighter earned his last Strikeforce victory in December 2010, when he demolished Scott Smith with a vicious left hook. Defeats to Nick Diaz, Tyron Woodley and Misaki would follow, though Daley did post a pair of victories over Jordan Radev and Luigi Fioravanti last year outside the six-sided Strikeforce cage. Known for his punching power, Daley has earned 20 of his 29 career wins by knockout.

“I felt that I put on nothing but entertaining fights while at the organization. The knockouts of [Duane] 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,” said Daley. “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.”