Bellator welterweight Paul Daley is no longer interested in a rematch with Josh Koscheck and is hoping instead to duke it out with recent blockbuster signee Rory MacDonald.
The 170lb division is likely Bellator’s deepest weight class in terms of talent, with signings like MacDonald continuing to add depth it also presents opportunities for new, fresh and exciting match -ups not previously possible.
Following his loss to Douglas Lima at Bellator’s event in London this past summer, Daley wants to get right back into the mix, stay active and has his eye on ‘The Red King’ where a win could potentially sky rocket him back into title contention.
“Definitely it’s a fight that interests me,” Daley says. “I would love to test my skills against a guy that’s challenged for the UFC title. It would be a great fight. He’s the new prodigy after BJ Penn.
“It would be great because he has a name, and it would be good to test my skills against him. We’ll see what happens. I think he will probably go straight for the title. We’ll see. If the fight is offered, I’ll take that.”
Following his controversial exchange with Koscheck after their bout at UFC 113, over six years ago, which cost Daley his spot in the Octagon, the two were originally booked to rematch at Bellator’s debut event in the UK this past July. However, Koscheck pulled out due to injury scuppering that fight.
For Daley, the train has now left the station and he no longer has any interest in re-opening old wounds and attempt to fight Koscheck again, feeling the 38 year-old’s time in the sport is done.
“I think he’s past that – I think Koscheck is past it,” Daley added. “It’s quiet on the Koscheck front, and I’m not interested in calling him out or anything. I just don’t think the guy’s head is in the game.
“He’s quiet, and I think he’s a guy that’s going to stay there. More power to him. If you’re not really feeling it, then it’s dangerous to accept such a fight against me. I’m past that fight. There are many more interesting fights out there for me.”
