MMAConvert.com

Paul Daley has spent time fighting the UFC, Strikeforce and Bellator.

Currently, Daley is still signed with Bellator, but he is not allowed to enter the U.S. due to visa issues. So, “Semtex” took a bout for Cage Contender over the weekend and knocked out Patrick Vallee with a flying knee.

Despite his ups and downs in the sport, Daley recently told Fighters Only that he is the best British fighter out there.

I’ve had a few decision losses and people are trying to push me to the side and forget about me. I’m not disrespecting any British fighter, but I honestly feel I’m pound-for-pound the best UK fighter. I’m willing to fight anybody.

Daley was expected to compete in the season eight Bellator welterweight tournament against War Machine, but the fight has been put on hold while War Machine recovers from an injury and Daley sorts out his legal issues.

After his release from the UFC for that memorable post-fight punch on Josh Koscheck, Daley likely burnt his bridge back to the UFC. Still, he has the talent to compete with the top welterweights in the world, and can do so in Bellator.

Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney informed BloodyElbow.com that Paul Daley has not been given permission to fight outside the promotion yet.

Daley, who is dealing with visa issues in his quest to enter the U.S. and fight in 2013, has booked a match for later this year. Rebney, however, is putting a hold on it taking place for now.

“For the time being, nothing has been approved. If the process that we’ve laid out is followed, I think a fight for him could occur, but until that happens he’s in a hold mode and we’ll see what happens.”

It had appeared as though Daley and Bellator had worked everything out, as “Semtex” recently said he was clear to fight.

Daley (30-12-2) asked for – and was granted – his release from Strikeforce last year so that he would be free to compete more often. He was released by the UFC after a sucker-punch to Josh Koscheck.

Paul Daley has been put on the shelf – by both his own country and Bellator.

Daley, who was scheduled to compete for Bellator this month, has been unable to obtain a P-1 visa to fight in the U.S. Now, it appears that Bellator is planning on keeping “Semtex” from fighting anywhere else.

Has received a legal document from Bellator this morning, signed by Bellator CEO, Bjorn Rebney and Legal representatives of the promotion. Despite, Bellator being aware of a legal matter preventing me from obtaining a P-1 visa to compete in the USA, and therefore making it unable for me to fulfill certain terms of my contract, Its seems as though they are attempting to stop me from earning a living while awaiting a decision that is out of my control, and is not expected until Late April 2013. This situation has been developing daily, since Oct 2012 with back and forth emails between myself, my management and Bellator representatives (including Bjorn, and Talent relations officer Sam Caplan, to name a few).

Daley is a veteran of both the UFC and Strikeforce. He was released by the UFC after throwing a punch after the bell against Josh Koscheck, while he asked for his release from Strikeforce to compete more often.

Following the post on Facebook concerning Bellator, Daley published a link to a planned fight at Cage Contender XVI on February 23 in Dublin. It remains to be seen if he will be allowed to fight on the card.

UPDATE: To confirm, Daley told MMAWeekly.com that Bellator has given him approval to fight next month.

Paul Daley has taken to Facebook to clear up a report by ESPN.

Daley was reported to have been involved in a bar brawl that led to an assault charge being handed to “Semtex.” That meant he could not obtain his visa and compete in Bellator this coming January, as he would be unable to come to the U.S.

Well, Daley, a former UFC and Strikeforce fighter, is denying any bar incident and subsequent assault charge.

“It seems as (though) a mass press release has gone out to the MMA media stating I was involved in a bar brawl, arrest and cannot obtain a P-1 visa to compete in the USA. I am currently awaiting a decision on my visa, which is not expected until late April. Which means I am unable to compete in the Season 8 Bellator tournament, as it starts in January. I will be fighting in Europe in the coming months, so I am able to stay active while awaiting a decision on my visa status. I was not involved in a bar brawl. This is 100 (percent) a false statement.”

Daley was voted by the fans to face War Machine in the opening round of the welterweight tournament. However, War Machine suffered a knee injury and the bout was postponed.

Paul Daley has been removed from a planned January fight with Bellator after an arrest due to an assault charge.

The report was first made by ESPN, and it states that Daley could be sentenced to two years in prison if found guily.

Daley is now barred from entering the U.S. after the charge was handed to him following a bar fight in England. He was originally set to meet War Machine, but that fight was scrapped when War Machine pulled out with a knee injury.

Daley (30-12) has competed for the UFC and Strikeforce. “Semtex” asked for his release from Strikeforce so he could compete more often, and won his Bellator debut earlier this year.

Bjorn Rebney announced on Bellator Friday night that War Machine has suffered a broken fibula and torn ACL, knocking him out of a planned fight with Paul Daley.

The two are expected to meet once War Machine heals up.

I guess the cat is out of the bag. 2 weeks ago I tore my ACL and fractured my tibia. I will not be in @bellatormma next tourney on @spiketv

— War Machine (@WarMachine170) December 8, 2012

War Machine, real name Jon Koppenhaver, has not fought since last November when he stunned Roger Huerta. He has spent time in jail, and fought for the UFC back in 2008.

Paul Daley and Eduardo Dantas have each been removed from the upcoming Bellator 79 card. The event takes place November 2 from Canada.

Daley (30-12-2) was unable to obtain a proper visa to travel from England to Canada, according to a report by MMAFighting.com. He is expected to compete for Bellator in early 2013.

“Semtex” was set to face Kyle Baker in his second Bellator appearance after defeating Rudy Bears. Instead, Baker will meet Ryan Ford.

Dantas (14-3), the Bellator welterweight champion, is still suffering from concussion-like symptoms suffered in a loss to Tyson Nam this past August.

Dantas was scheduled to battle Marcos Galvao for his title. No makeup date has been announced for the championship match.

Paul Daley’s second Bellator appearance will come in November at Bellator 79, as “Semtex” battles Kyle Baker.

Baker confirmed the bout on his Facebook page recently.

Daley (30-12-2) is a veteran of the UFC and Strikeforce. He asked for his release from Strikeforce after not being allowed to fight more frequently. In his Bellator debut, Daley stopped Rudy Bears.

Baker (12-6) has gone 1-2 in his last three fights, including a loss in his debut with the promotion earlier this year.

Bellator 79 goes down November 2 from Ontario, Canada and will air live on MTV2.

Karl Amoussou punched his ticket for a future Bellator welterweight title shot vs. Ben Askren by scoring a first round submission victory over Bryan Baker Friday night at Bellator 72.

Amoussou grabbed the leg of Baker and rolled into a heel-hook submission less than a minute into their welterweight tournament final. Amoussou earns a crack at Askren and $100,000 for his efforts.

Paul Daley, a former UFC and Strikeforce fighter, scored a TKO victory over Rudy Bears in his Bellator debut.

Also, Attila Vegh and Travis Wiuff advanced to a meeting in the “Summer Series” light heavyweight finals after claiming decision victories.

BELLATOR 72 RESULTS

Main Card

Karl Amoussou def. Bryan Baker via submission (heel-hook) at :56 of round one in finals of welterweight tournament

Paul Daley def. Rudy Bears via TKO at 2:35 of round one

Attila Vegh def. Emanuel Newton via split decision in semifinals of light heavyweight “Summer Series”

Travis Wiuff def. Tim Carpenter via unanimous decision in semifnals of light heavyweight “Summer Series”

Marius Zaromskis def. Waachiim Spiritwolf via split decision

Prelim Card

Ben Saunders def. Brian Warren via KO at :22 of round one

Raul Amaya def. Kenny Moss via TKO in round two

Matt McCook def. Shanon Slack via split decision

Paul Barrow def. Jason Carapelluci via submission (rear-naked choke) in round three

Julien Williams def. Ryan DeRocher via submission (armbar) at 1:32 of round two

Photo credit: Showtime

Bellator will return to the airwaves this Friday night with Bellator 72.

The main event features Bryan Baker taking on Karl Amoussou in the finals of the welterweight tournament. The winner earns a shot at Bellator welterweight champion Ben Askren down the road.

Also, Paul Daley will debut in Bellator, taking on Rudy Bears.

BELLATOR 72 WEIGH-IN RESULTS

Main Card

Bryan Baker (169.5 lbs.) vs. Karl Amoussou (170.25 lbs.) in welterweight tournament final

Paul Daley (170.25 lbs.) vs. Rudy Bears (169.5 lbs.)

Emanuel Newton (204.75 lbs.) vs. Attila Vegh (204.5 lbs.) in semifinals of light heavyweight “Summer Series”

Tim Carpenter (205 lbs.) vs. Travis Wiuff (206 lbs.) in semifinals of light heavyweight “Summer Series”

Waachiim Spiritwolf (170.75 lbs.) vs. Marius Zaromskis (171 lbs.)

Prelim Card

Ben Saunders (177 lbs.) vs. Brian Warren (173.5 lbs.)

Kenny Moss (170 lbs.) vs. Raul Amaya (169.75 lbs.)

Matt McCook (145 lbs.) vs. Shanon Slack (145.75 lbs.)

Jason Carapelluci (149.5 lbs.) vs. Paul Barrow (151 lbs.)

Julien Williams (170.25 lbs.) vs. Ryan DeRocher (170.5 lbs.)