UK MMA legend Paul Daley has officially retired from MMA, and ‘Semtex’ went out with a bang.
Daley announced an end to his illustrious 19-year fight career after securing an epic come-from-behind knockout victory over Brazil’s Wendell Giacomo at Bellator 281 in London, England yesterday.
“There’s nothing left here for me, I’ve just knocked out this guy and I’ve done it countless times before,” Daley, who secured his 35th KO victory on Friday night, said in his post-fight interview (h / t BBC Sport). “I’ve always said it’s a fault of many great athletes – they hang around the sport too long. Whether that’s commentary, or showing up at events – that may give you the urge to get back in there. I’m just going to kick back on a beach sipping Mai Tais [cocktails] somewhere. ”
Pro fighters reacted to Daley’s retirement via social media, with many paying their respects to the British knockout artist.
Helluva career Paul Daly, not many get to go out like that
Retirement well and truly earned
– Paul Redmond (@RedserMma) May 13, 2022
Paul Daley is a true UK MMA legend. I am forever a fan
– Brendan Loughnane (@BrendanMMA) May 13, 2022
Respect to Paul Daley wild KO power and that one round with nick Diaz will always be one of the best rounds ever!
– Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) May 13, 2022
It’s a tough loss but he’ll learn and improve from it. I’m proud of you @WendellGiacomo! Congrats to Daley on his career and win, but Wendell’s story is yet to get started, I’ll see him wear gold @BellatorMMA #BellatorLondon
– Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull) May 13, 2022
Daley retired with a professional record of 44-18-2 and will be remembered as one of the greatest British MMA fighters of all time. The former UFC welterweight holds standout victories over Jorge Masvidal, Lorenz Larkin, Duane Ludwig, and Martin Kampmann.