SF Releases Paul Daley

Strikeforce has released former welterweight title challenger Paul Daley.

Wad Alameddine of Fight Management today confirmed the news via press release.

According to a statement, Daley (29-12-2 MMA, 2-3 SF), who most recently suffered a March loss to Kazuo Misaki via split decision, is pursuing options with other fight promotions, due in part to his inability to fight frequently with Strikeforce.

"I'm happy that Strikeforce has granted my request to be released from their roster as I found it difficult to fight so infrequently," the British striker stated. "My whole career I've wanted to fight as often as possible as it keeps me in the best form and condition.

"I felt that I put on nothing but entertaining fights while at the organization. The KOs of (Duane) Ludwig and Scott Smith were some great memories for me, as well as the back-and-forth fight of the year I had with Nick Diaz. My manager has already started speaking to some promotions about my future today following the official release papers from Strikeforce, and I'm looking forward to the next part in my journey."

Prior to the Misaki loss, the 29-year-old Daley had posted back-to-back decision wins over Jordan Radev and Luigi Fioravanti in outside promotions. However, he went winless in his final three Strikeforce appearances, including a title loss to welterweight champ Diaz in early 2011.

Alameddine insists the split was amicable.

"I am personally disappointed to see Paul leave Strikeforce," he stated. "He's without question one of the most charismatic personalities and talented MMA athletes to come out of the U.K. We have parted ways with Strikeforce on good terms."

Over three stints with the promotion, Daley went 2-3 in Strikeforce.

dumb decision by Daley , if you can't bet Kaz Misaki (man that was fun to see) then you shouldn't ASK for your release.

if you lose to Kaz Misaki chances are the phone calls from SF are going to be even fewer and far between then they were before. If Daley is looking for activity, he is not going to get it in Strikeforce. Hell, Kaz won the fight and he has no upcoming fights in Strikeforce to my knowledge.

Good move by Daley. Time to get on with his career.

Considering Strikeforce's likely future there wasn't much point for Paul to stay.