Graeme McDonnell 
Cage Contender have announced the signing of 30-12-2 UFC veteran, Paul “Semtex” Daley.
Daley is set to headline Cage Contender 16 in Dublin, Ireland on 23rd February, on what is already a stacked card, with the likes of Arni Isaksson facing Ali Arish and Chris Stringer fighting for TUF champion Norman Parke’s old belt.
Although an opponent is yet to be announced, Cage Contender owner John Ferguson has assured us we won’t be disappointed, as the promotion continue to go from strength to strength.
The announcement was made moments ago via their official website and the statement reads as follows
“One of the worlds best known and most controversial Welterweights Paul “Semtex” Daley has signed to headline Cage Contender 16 in Dublin, Ireland on 23 February at the National Basketball Arena, Tallaght.
Daley (30-12-2) will headline an already jam packed card that includes Arni Isaksson facing Ali Arish, Chris Stringer fighting for the Cage Contender Lightweight title that was left vacant by champion Norman Parke winning TUF and the return to MMA of UFC veteran Samy Schiavo.
More details will be released over the coming days.”
“Semtex” signed for Bellator FC earlier this year, but fought only once for the promotion, TKOing Rudy Bears in the 1st round via punches back in July.
Daley was expected to fight War Machine in the first round of the new Bellator welterweight tournament next year, however earlier in the month, his opponent War Machine had to withdraw due to injury
Daley’s manager Wad Alameddine was kind enough to shed a bit of light on the situation for us, we asked if Paul would be returning to Bellator FC after this February fight for Cage Contender and Wad told us “that’s the plan”
We caught up with Cage Contender owner John Ferguson, who revealed TV deals in the works and how the Daley deal came about
“I’m happy to have agreed terms with Paul, and his manager Wad.
It’s been a few weeks in the making, when Wad first suggested it, we had to get a certain amount of ducks in a row before we could make the commitment, but that’s been achieved and a deals been signed.”
“We’re now working with our broadcast partners, to bring Cage Contender 16 to as many people as possible on live television.
We have already secured live in 5 territories, and we will expand that over the next few weeks.”
“Paul Daley, is renowned globally and we’re over the moon to bring such a high level global talent to the Irish fans.”
“It’s what we have tried to do at Cage Contender for awhile now, we have brought names like Dean Lister, Shannon Gugerty, Gunnar Nelson, Ivan Salaverry and others”
This is just the next step in the road for the promotion”
When pressed on an opponent for Daley, Ferguson revealed that his opponent will likely be a fellow UFC veteran but was keeping his cards close to his chest
“We have offered four high level UFC veterans the chance to fight Paul, and were hoping for something more concrete within the next 10 days
We will find someone who is equally as explosive, but we will let you know in due course”
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