Paul Daley returns to action at Bellator 183, where he faces former UFC fighter and Bellator MMA Welterweight Title challenger Lorenz Larkin.
Once his battle with Larkin is complete, the British slugger wants to focus his attention on Michael “Venom” Page and stop the hype train surrounding the fight.
“I’m happy to end the hype train,” Daley said to MMA Junkie. “For me, when he does fight me, he’s just going to get his head completely blown off. He better keep running because the outcome will be the same whether we fight tomorrow or if we fight in a few months time. He’s going to get knocked the (expletive) out, so it doesn’t matter.”
The two rivals did get into a brief physical encounter at Bellator 179, which took place in both competitor’s home country of England.
MVP is set to make his pro boxing debut shortly and Daley believes the whole boxing thing is just more propaganda for his rival.
“The whole boxing thing is just propaganda,” Daley said. “The guy is just trying to buy his time. It’s a smart move. He just wants the big fight, which is me for the U.K. market and the world market. This boxing thing is just him treading water rather than take the risk of go in against other top contenders, strong wrestlers or strong ground guys. He’s just waiting for the big fight against another stand-up guy. We don’t get to see Mike tested against your wrestlers and guys with a strong ground game. He knows that with me, another stand-up guy who will stand and bang, his chances are better than to take on someone of an elite grappling level and get exposed. Smart move, but for me, I don’t play that game. I’ve always taken risky fights.”
Bellator 183 takes place on Saturday, September 23 from the SAP Center in San Jose, California with Ben Henderson and Patricky Freire headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which airs live on Spike TV.
