British welterweight Paul Daley (top) once blasted through the UFC until post-fight misconduct toward Josh Koscheck earned him a pink slip. Now, "Semtex" looks to build his way back up in the ranks with his Strikeforce debut against Scott Smith next Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)
When British welterweight slugger “Semtex” Paul Daley (22-10-2) is mentioned, several things come to mind: wicked left hook, knockout power, smack-talker…But what about sucker punch, bad sportsman, and sore loser?
Daley is most remembered for his run through the UFC’s welterweight division, TKO’ing former top contenders “The Hitman” Martin Kampmann (17-4) and “McLovin” Dustin Hazelett (15-6) and quickly climbing up the ranks in the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion. However, he unfortunately is remembered even more so for the unsportsmanlike sucker punch he intentionally threw at Josh Koscheck’s (15-4-0) head after the final bell had already rang in their bout at UFC 113 this last spring. Much to Daley’s dismay, Koscheck utilized his skills as an NCAA Div. I National Champion to out-wrestle his opponent and nullify “Semtex” on the mat for the majority of the 15-minute match. His frustration with the fight as well as some brash comments by “Kos” caused the Brit to lash out and clock his adversary as he was returning to his corner. The incident was ill-perceived by the MMA community, the athletic commission, and UFC President Dana White, who consequently issued Daley his walking papers. Continue reading »
