Paul Daley Says Bellator Agreed to Release Him from Contract; Promotion Denies Letting Him Go

Late last week, Paul Daley ripped Bellator MMA for its handling of his career.

Now, “Semtex” and the California-based promotion can't seem to agree on whether the British slugger remains on the Bellator roster. Daley announced Thursday via Facebook that Bellator agreed to release him from his contract.

“I have politely asked for my RELEASE from BELLATOR MMA, which they have agreed to,” Daley wrote.

“Once I have the paperwork through, stating that I am free to fight elsewhere, I will be looking to fight out my last 18 months in this sport with the organization that can put together the most exciting fights for my loyal fans.”

However, a Bellator official told Sherdog.com that Daley is still signed with the organization. Daley’s lack of satisfaction with Bellator stemmed from what he claimed was inactivity following a second-round knockout of Lorenz Larkin on Sept. 23. He also was unhappy with the organization’s emphasis on flamboyant striker Michael Page, who did not compete at all for Bellator in 2017.

“I beat Lorenz Larkin, former UFC guy, top 6 when he left the organization...by KO and they sweep it under the rug? and then sideline me….,” Daley wrote.

“I’m gonna fight out my contract.....THAT MVP Fight WONT BE HAPPENING...under the Bellator banner anyways....So f--k Bellator, 18 more months in this game and two more fights for Bellator and I’m done.”

For now, it appears that Daley will still have to fulfill the final two bouts on his Bellator deal. The 34-year-old Nottingham, England, native owns a 40-15-2 career mark that includes a 6-2 tenure in Bellator.