Daley

Promotion Cites Legal Issues as Cause for Release

By FCF Staff

Bellator MMA has decided to unconditionally release Paul Daley and Maiquel Falcao, not because of their performance inside the cage, but due to reported incidents outside of it. Daley hasn’t competed for the promotion since July, 2012 when he stopped Rudy Bears, while Falcao fought for Bellator’s middleweight championship in February but was knocked out by Alexander Shlemenko.

According to multiple reports, Bellator has released Daley as a result of a plea deal he made in England, whereby the fighter plead guilty to assaulting and obstructing a law enforcement officer. The noted striker could have difficulties securing a visa to compete in North America as a result.

Daley recently fought Lukasz Chlewicki at Cage Warriors 57 and stopped the welterweight after the first round (due to a cut).

Falcao was recently involved in a violent brawl in Brazil, which was captured on tape and was quickly disseminated on the internet. The video appeared to show Falcao pushing a women in a gas station, prior to the brawl ensuing. Falcao’s teammate Kaue Mena was seriously injured during the incident. The fighter has reportedly not been charged with anything yet but authorities are investigating the matter.

Bellator’s next event takes place on July 31st and will be broadcast on SPIKE.