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PAUL DALEY: "IT WAS A GRUELING FIGHT...I JUST WANT TO FIGHT AND GET MORE CAGE TIME"

By Percy Crawford | March 03, 2015
PAUL DALEY:

"He was a very tough guy. Many fighters would have given up once I started raining down the heavy ground and pound...He was unpredictable and his conditioning was better than expected also. It was a grueling fight; wild...I just want to fight and get more cage time. Ideally, I would like another fight before Lima," stated Bellator welterweight contender Paul Daley, who talked about his recent win over Andre Santos at Bellator 134. Check it out!

PC: Congratulations on the big win. You had to be a little bit surprised at some of the damage Andre Santos was able to sustain from you?

PD: Yes, he was a very tough guy. Many fighters would have given up once I started raining down the heavy ground and pound.

PC: Was it just a toughness thing or did other elements of his game surprise you?

PD: He was unpredictable and his conditioning was better than expected also. It was a grueling fight; wild.

PC: You talked a little bit after the fight about gauging range in MMA and how it's different because you had been doing a lot of kickboxing. Could you elaborate on that a little more, because it is a vast difference?

PD: Kickboxers are there to be hit. The ring is smaller than the cage. Also, the option to avoid through clinching or takedowns is not there; and aggression is scored, where in MMA, you can back away more from clinches and threaten with takedowns.

PC: At times, you got wild with a few of your punches. Was that the MMA rust you spoke about or did you think you had him hurt badly enough to take him out?

PD: I just wanted to apply pressure. Plus, I was a little tired. My weight cut wasn't as good as it was for previous fights.

PC: When Douglas Lima pulled out, was that somewhat of a letdown as well? You were preparing for a title fight and instead got a durable guy with nothing to lose and a ton of experience.

PD: Yeah, I was happy for this fight. I needed it.

PC: Are you hoping for the Lima fight next or do you just want to stay busy if he's not available soon?

PD: I just want to fight and get more cage time. Ideally, I would like another fight before Lima.

PC: You were talking on social media about weight cutting. You're not a fan of it and you feel there should be more weight classes. What would be the perfect weight class for Paul Daley and do you think they'll ever consider adding weight classes like boxing eventually did?

PD: 175-180lbs would be my preferred weight class. I hope they do add more weight classes. I think they should for the safety of fighters. Some fighters cut crazy amounts of weight just to make one of the very few categories.

PC: At this point in your career, which is more fun for you, MMA or kickboxing, and are you still entertaining the thought of boxing?

PD: I love it all. I would love to box before I retire from combat sports. I don't ever think I will be a world champion boxer, but maybe I could pick up a few regional/national titles.

PC: We have talked for years and I think we both stopped being optimistic on Mayweather-Pacquiao ever getting finalized. We finally get that fight. Break it down for me and hit me with a prediction my man!

PD: Mayweather via decision. Pacman gets hit too much and doesn't have the footwork to cause Mayweather too much trouble. He does have hand speed and pressure, which will make for an entertaining fight.

PC: Kimbo Slice is now a member of the Bellator family. You cool with Kimbo?

PD: Yeah man, we been fighting on the same shows since Pro Elite /Elite XC on Showtime days, so we're real cool with each other.

PC: Always appreciate the interviews from you. Best of luck moving forward and I thoroughly enjoyed the fight. Is there anything else you would like to add before I let you go?

PD: Thanks to all my fans, supporters, family, coaches, training partners, and sponsors. Bellator is on the rise.



[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]

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