Paul Daley Says He’s Focused on Bellator Welterweight Title: ‘Crotch-Check Can Wait’

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As soon as it was announced that Josh Koscheck had signed with Bellator MMA on Friday night, attention turned to a potential rematch with Paul Daley.

The welterweight rivals initially squared off at UFC 113, with Koscheck capturing a unanimous decision victory on the strength of multiple takedowns and consistent top control. While the fight itself was a relatively nondescript affair, the real drama came afterward, as a frustrated Daley attempted to land a cheap shot on Koscheck after the final horn sounded.

UFC President Dana White acted swiftly, booting Daley from the Las Vegas-based promotion at that evening’s post-fight press conference.

“He’s done,” White said. “I don’t give a s--t if he’s the best 170-pounder in the world. He’ll never come back here again.”

White remained true to his word, despite Daley’s success outside of the UFC and his public pleas for a second chance. The hard-hitting Brit has compiled a 13-4 record since his release and is knocking on the door of a title shot in Bellator.

Koscheck, meanwhile, was at the peak of his powers when he defeated Daley. He received a title shot in his next bout, where he lost a lopsided five-round verdict to Georges St. Pierre. “Kos” would defeat Matt Hughes and Mike Pierce in his next two outings, but five consecutive losses -- including four via knockout or submission -- would follow, prompting the UFC to part ways with “The Ultimate Fighter 1” veteran.

Now, Koscheck apparently has his sights set on a return date with Daley.

“Only thing I want to do next... is bitch slap Paul Daley one more time!!” Koscheck wrote on Instagram. “Remember the ass kickin I gave you?!!”

Daley’s scheduled is full at the moment, making an immediate fight with Koscheck unlikely. He is slated to meet Dennis Olson at Bellator 140 on July 17 and will compete in a kickboxing bout on the Glory portion of Bellator’s "Dynamite” event on Sept. 19.

Still, the 32-year-old Daley did not appreciate Koscheck’s comments -- or the photo that accompanied them, which showed the collegiate wrestling standout attached to Daley’s back with a rear-naked choke in place.

“He's started already. Like how he put this picture up. Didn't finish the choke though. Didn't mention the fake eye poke, after I sprawled/defended the take down and was gaining momentum,” Daley wrote on Facebook.

“It finished decision and you wrestled....scared. This fight happens....you fight me like a man....no point scoring, bitch!” he continued. “This is an obvious fight for Bellator to make. But my priority is the title. Little bitch Crotch-check can wait.”

Daley will share the Bellator 140 bill with reigning 170-pound king Douglas Lima, who defends his strap against Andrey Koreshkov in the main event. The two were initially supposed to fight at Bellator 134, but Lima had to withdraw due to injury. If both Daley and Lima win on July 17, it could set up a championship matchup between the two down the road. Meanwhile, a date and opponent for Koscheck’s Bellator debut were not immediately revealed.