Strikeforce Inks Daley to Multi-Fight Deal

Notorious British striker Paul Daley has signed a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce, the promotion announced on Thursday.

Fresh off a unanimous decision victory over Jorge Masvidal at Shark Fights 13 on Sept. 11 in Amarillo, Texas, Daley joins a welterweight stable that includes champion Nick Diaz, K.J. Noons, Andre Galvao and Tarec Saffiedine.

A staple of the U.K. circuit from 2003-2006, Daley gained notice in the UFC welterweight division in 2009 with back-to-back knockout wins over Martin Kampmann and Dustin Hazelett. The run earned the 27-year-old fighter a fight with Josh Koscheck at UFC 113 in May for the No. 1 contender’s spot and a coaching role on Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter 12.”

Koscheck outwrestled Daley to a unanimous decision nod. The Nottingham, England, native lost control of his emotions afterward and punched Koscheck after the final bell. As a result, UFC President Dana White promptly released Daley from his contract.

In July, Daley notched a third-round submission win over Daniel Acacio at Impact Fighting Championship 2 in Sydney, Australia.

Daley appeared once before for Strikeforce in a co-promoted event with EliteXC in 2007, earning a second-round TKO against fellow striker Duane Ludwig.