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FLD Exclusive: Paul "Semtex" Daley - A Future Explosion in the UFC WW Division
Written by Jamie Hughes   
Friday, 29 May 2009 13:30
Yesterday I got the chance to speak with British welterweight sensation Paul "Semtex" Daley—arguably one of the best strikers in Mixed Martial Arts today. Here's what he had to say about his progression as a fighter, training with Melvin Manhoef, and his future in this ever-growing sport.

Jamie Hughes: First of all Paul, we just want to say 'thank you' for taking the time to do this interview with us. 

A lot of fighters have realized that standing with you is not the wisest idea, and have begun to resort to taking you down. How heavily are you working on your ground game, and do you feel as though you are ready to take them on the ground if needed?

PD: Not so much my ground game as in submissions, but takedown defense, avoiding subs and getting back to my feet is what I will continue to improve/work on.


JH: It is quickly becoming common knowledge that you have some of the best striking in your division, if not MMA. You have also shown a fondness for keeping the fight standing. Have you considered testing the waters in K-1?

PD: I'd love to fight in K-1, but they do not have a division for my weight class. Plus a lot of the K-1 guys have been fighting since a very young age and have a lot of experience, maybe 100 fights or so, it's very different to striking MMA.
JH: What have you found to be the most rewarding part of your career, so far?

PD: Travelling and meeting new people is a huge bonus in this sport. But now I feel it's time to build a great name for myself by beating great champions on a world stage, and earning some money.
JH: Are there any specific fighters you'd like to face-off against in the future?
PD: I'd fight anyone who's a big test.

JH: Who do you consider the best striker in MMA at the moment?

PD: Tough. In terms of power, style, and stopping opponents, I'd say Thiago Alves. Or Anderson Silva.


JH: Since UK MMA is on the rise are there any prospects you know of that we should keep an eye on?

PD: From my team alone, we have many great fighters too keep an eye on; Andre Winner, Jimmy Wallhead, Dean Amersinger, Nick Opsizak, and many more..


JH: What's the training like at Mike's Gym?

PD: It's great. I love the intensity of the training, the environment is great for me. I think being around a fighter like Melvin—whether it's helping him train, or just watching him train—is very inspiring, especially with him wanting to fight the same sort of style as I do in MMA... explosive stoppages from strikes!


JH: What is it like sparring with Melvin Manhoef?

PD: Scary, but it builds your confidence. After you spar with Melvin, you feel no one can fuck with you standing!
JH: [laughs] Who do you work with while you're at Mike's? And who do you work with on your wrestling and ground game?

PD: Normally we go in and do our conditioning from around 8am for two hours. It will normally be me, Melvin, Rachid Belani, Joeri Mes, Joey Van Wanrooy, and some other guys. Then we will go to the physio or rest. We come back in at 6pm and do 1 hr of pads, 1 hr of sub wrestling, and 1 hr of kickboxing.


JH: Who has been the toughest opponent you have faced in your career?

PD: In terms of style, I'd say Nick Thompson. The dude is just so big.


JH: Would you like to test yourself in the UFC at some point in the near future?

PD: Yes, definitely. There are a lot of great match-ups for me in the UFC, so eventually I'd like to go fight there.


JH: Thanks again Paul. Good luck with your training and upcoming fight with Jay Hieron at Affliction 3.