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.”

 

Story Courtesy of MMAWeekly

 

 

Main card Live on Fuel TV

Martin Kampmann Def  Jake Ellenberger Via: Second round K.O

Mike Chiesa Def Al Iaquinta Via: First round submission (rear naked choke)

Charles Oliveira Def Jonathen Brookins Via: Second round submission (guillotine)

Max Holloway Def Pat Schilling Via: Unanimous Decision 30-27 on all Card’s

Justin Lawrence Def John Cofer Via: Third round KO

Preliminary card
Daron Cruickshank def. Chris Tickle Via: unanimous decision
Myles Jury def. Chris Saunders Via: submission (guillotine)
Sam Sicilia def. Cristiano Marcello Via: second-round TKO
Joe Proctor def. Jeremy Larsen Via: first-round TKO

Erik Proctor Def John Albert Via: Verbal Submission “Armbar”

Thirty minutes prior to the Nevada State Athletic Commission alerting the mixed martial arts world that Alistair Overeem had failed his pre-fight drug test, Dana White (Pictured) was notified of the disappointing news. As expected, the UFC president was none too pleased with the results from last week’s pop quiz.

“I am beyond pissed about this,” White said during Wednesday’s previously scheduled conference call with the Canadian media. “I’m so [expletive] mad right now I can’t even begin …

“It’s beyond — what’s the word I’m looking for — it’s beyond belief. It’s beyond comprehension. You’re an absolute moron, a brain-dead absolute [expletive] dummy. It goes beyond a guy have any common sense whatsoever.”

Although Overeem’s physique had become noticeably inflated over the years – which promoted many in the MMA community to wonder if his increased girth was gained naturally, or by the consumption of horse meat as he claimed – the 31-year-old had never failed a drug test until today. When the former Strikeforce champ signed a multi-fight contract to join the UFC in September 2011, “The Demolition Man” promised White and UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta he was clean and would pass all drug exams that would cross his path.

“The worst part is that he sat in front of us and lied to us,” White stated. “How [expletive] stupid do you have to be? Seriously dumb. Anybody who’s using [performance-enhancing drugs] right now is an absolute [expletive] moron.”

Overeem earned first dibs at heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos’ title after posting a 1stRound TKO victory over Brock Lesnar in his big league debut. While they are set to collide at UFC 146, it’s clear Overeem will have difficulties gaining a fight license from the NSAC given today’s news.

When asked who will now stand opposite dos Santos on May 26th at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Nevada, White claimed to be as clueless as someone who would fail a drug screening.

“I don’t have a Plan-B,” White shared.

In regards to Overeem’s future inside the Octagon, White said he’ll wait for more details to emerge from the NSAC and to hear Overeem’s side of the story. However, he’s going to allow Fertitta to chat with Overeem since he’s far too heated at the moment.

“It doesn’t look good, does it?” White asked. “It doesn’t look good.”

Story Courtesy of 5thround.com and Tom Ngo