Paul “Semtex” Daley was scheduled to fight feared Russian Andrey Koreshkov at Bellator 281. Plans have since changed. Now taking on Bellator newcomer Brazilian Wendell Giacomo, Daley will be looking to put on a show in his farewell bout. With home advantage, he’ll be looking to use the energy from the crowd to deliver a trademark finish. Giacomo, however, will be entering enemy territory and looking to ruin the party.
Tale of the Tape
Born in the United Kingdom, “Semtex” looks to finish his illustrious career on a high in front of a home crowd. The now 39-year-old will fight on the main card of 281, which takes place in London at the SSE Arena. Standing at 5ft 9in the career, welterweight has had his last three bouts take place at a catchweight of 175lbs but returns to the usual 170 lbs for his maiden voyage. With 64 pro MMA fights, Daley is a true combat sports veteran. He holds a record of 43-18-2. Predominantly a knockout artist, Paul has seen 34 of his wins come by way of strikes.
His Brazilian counterpart will be Wendall “White Walker” Giacomo. With a professional record of 9-2-0, he holds a variety of wins. With four by KO/TKO, four via submission and a lone decision victory. At 5ft 10in, Wendell will have a slight advantage, but that is nothing Daley isn’t used to. Only 27, Giacomo could send his career trajectory shooting upwards if he manages to upset the apple cart and beat the Brit. Winning his last two, he comes into this bout in relatively good form.
Retirement for Daley
Paul has been competing at the highest level for well over a decade. He has finally decided now is the right time to close the curtains on what is a very successful career. Announcing ahead of time that he had decided to retire when he spoke with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour earlier this year. “After hours on the road, hours in the gym”. “The years have caught up with me”. “Every morning, I wake up with a bad back, and I’m just tired”. He went on to say, “I’m in a position to retire, fortunately”. “I don’t want to be one of those fighters who’s always getting knocked out by the younger guys. I want to be a guy who goes out when I want to go out”.
Paul Daley has decided to put the four-ounce gloves down on his own terms, putting his health first. Paul and many others can look back at his career and be very happy. With Highlight finishes throughout, “Semtex” left it all in the cage every time he fought.
The Event
Bellator 281 is taking place on May 13th in London. European fans can look forward to an early start. Full of talent, this card is a must-watch. Headlining will be Michael Venom Page vs Logan Storley for the interim Welterweight title. MMA Legend Lyoto Machida is also fighting. Taking on the younger brother of Leon. Fabian “The Assassin” Edwards. Available to watch on the BBC iPlayer in the UK, fans of MMA should mark this date on their calendars. With some impressive events already this year. Bellator is putting a claim as one of the top MMA places to be for both fans and fighters alike.
How would you rate the career of Paul “Semtex” Daley?
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