"Rudy Bears is a tough guy. A lot of people played down the fight, but no doubt he's a tough, experienced fighter. The KO came as expected, you know. I trained really hard for this fight; really hard...I've got great focus here at Bellator, a focus that I've gotta maintain. You can't afford to slip up here because of the tournament format. It was the introduction I wanted to make for the Bellator execs and the fans," stated Bellator welterweight Paul Daley, who talked about his recent victory over Rudy Bears in his Bellator debut, his future plans, and much more. Check it out!

PC: Congratulations on the win over Rudy Bears in your Bellator debut. How did it feel to not only get that debut fight out of the way, but to deliver a "Semtex" like knockout?

PD: Thanks. Rudy Bears is a tough guy. A lot of people played down the fight, but no doubt he's a tough, experienced fighter. The KO came as expected, you know. I trained really hard for this fight; really hard.

PC: You made weight comfortably; you seemed really dialed in and just to be in a good place. Was this new start with Bellator what you needed, P?

PD: I've got great focus here at Bellator, a focus that I've gotta maintain. You can't afford to slip up here because of the tournament format. It was the introduction I wanted to make for the Bellator execs and the fans.

PC: One thing I notice about your fights, and I don't know if you do it consciously or not, but it's an old Marvin Hagler trick where you take the center of the cage first before your opponents have an opportunity to. Is that by design, and if so, why?

PD: I'm an eager pressure fighter; also, I'm very aware of distance, timing, and setting traps with my movement. Taking the center is one way of putting all these things into play, being in the center to take charge, but this can change and be adated depending on the opponent.

PC: Rudy seemed like he wanted to lead, and as aggressive as you can be, I almost think you are a better counter striker. Were you okay with him coming forward because you knew that would open up an opportunity?

PD: Yeah, we knew he would come forward and we worked a combination of attacks to bring him into our counters. He didnt do exactly what we expected, but we still got the result.

PC: How did you feel going into the fight, because in the past, making the weight was the first issue, and then dealing with your opponent? Was this camp spot on for you?

PD: Everything is going well, not only in training, but in my life. I have a knew structure to my training also and represent a new team, Spirit Dojo.

PC: I think your Muay Thai is very underrated and your knees is what kind of started the trouble for Rudy. With him being so aggressive, did you sense it was just a matter of time before you caught him?

PD: I felt comfortable in the fight and knew Rudy was not gonna make it out the first round. My Muay thai and striking is becoming a focus point for me again. Over the past few fights, I've been working a lot on my wrestling, ground, and takedown defense. I feel I'm at a point now to go back and perfect my strong points.

PC: Do you have a return date when we will see you back in the Bellator cage?

PD: I will be fighting for Bellator again in the coming months; before the end of 2012.

PC: Do you watch the Olympics, Paul, and if so, what events do you follow?

PD: I watched some of the swimming, and of course the atheletics and boxing. I find the weight lifting entertaining too.

PC: You are also someone that likes to watch Floyd Mayweather fight and respect his abilities. He's now out of jail and 50 Cent seems to be very serious and involved in the sport of boxing now. What do you think will come of all of this?

PD: I hope it happens. I think something is needed to keep boxing at the level of exposure it needs. I think two characters like Floyd and 50 can add something different to the pre-fight entertainment side of the Sport.

PC: You teach a lot of classes at your gym. Tell us a little bit about that my man.

PD: My gym is the Spirit Dojo Muay Thai Boxing, MMA, Health and Fitness Facility. We run classes 7 days a week, and also are growing a small stable of fighters, which I head up. I wanted to give back a little, you know? We do kids classes and the gym is in an urban area of Nottingham and I feel I can create a lot of opportunity for them. More information will be coming at http://www.semtex.tv/

PC: Well, congrats again and best of luck to you in the tournament. Is there anything else you want to add?

PD: Continue to be a fan of MMA. Support sports and the opportunities they create. Thanks for the fans, followers, and sponsors. Love to my family; we keep it moving.