Paul Daley says we won’t see him behind the desk during Bellator broadcasts any longer.
Daley (42-17-2 MMA, 8-4 BMMA), an MMA veteran who has spent his past 11 fights with Bellator, got an opportunity to work as an analyst during the promotion’s European series this past year.
He most recently provided his insight at Bellator Europe 6 in November, in which his rival, Michael Page, scored a first-round knockout victory against an overmatched foe in the event headliner. Afterward, Daley was critical of the matchmaking afforded to “MVP,” calling it “ridiculous.”
Daley has long been one of the most unfiltered athletes in the sport, never hesitating to go with his instinct first. It’s cost him in the past (such as when he was famously released from the UFC for a post-fight sucker punch on Josh Koscheck), and it appears its bitten him again.
“Semtex” took to social media Saturday and revealed he’s been told his services as an analyst are no longer required (via Instagram):
“YOUR FIRED”
….., Been told I gotta step away from the Mic, Guess one of my opinions was a little off script…..and I thought I was just finding my groove.
This isn’t the first instance in which Daley has had some sort of conflict with the Bellator brass. In early 2018 he was pushing for a release from the promotion because he was not happy with his treatment from Bellator president Scott Coker.
Eventually the pair found common ground and the Brit signed a new contract to remain with Bellator.
Daley has continued to be active in the cage since, and is coming off a second-round TKO of Saad Awad at Bellator 232 in October.
Bellator declined to comment when contacted by MMA Junkie for a response to Daley’s post.
Paul Daley says he's been fired from Bellator analyst role, cites 'off script' opinions