Paul Daley was knocked out of the opening round of the Bellator welterweight Grand Prix on Saturday, and he’s not too happy about it.
Known for his technical striking and knockout power, fans were shocked to see ‘Semtex’ shooting for takedowns against bitter UK rival Michael ‘Venom’ Page in the Bellator 216 main event, which he ultimately lost via unanimous decision.
Daley, however, feels he won the fight three rounds to two and accused Bellator of ‘protecting their investment.’
The British knockout artist posted the following statement on Instagram.
“I’m disappointed, MMA politics and Bellator protecting [their] investment,” Daley posted on Sunday. “I feel I won three rounds to two. IMO I beat that fool. Really. Close fight. It’s just sad MMA is going the way of boxing. I’m a ‘striker’ who wrestled so I lose, and the fool they pumped money into wins.
“I look forward to getting home to my family and normality.”
Page, who accused Daley of not wanting to ‘fight’ at Bellator 216, has suggested the former UFC welterweight contender should retire.
“I’ve said this before, seriously, where does he go after I beat him?” Page said. “Seriously, where does he go? Maybe he should retire and just be done with it, because he’s not good enough. His gym is a sham. Anybody in Nottingham, or Newcastle or wherever the hell he lives, don’t ever go there. He overcharges and under-delivers, the same way he did here. Under-delivered.”
With the win, Page advances to the next round of the Grand Prix where he will will face former two-time Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima.
Get the latest gear
