· Daley, Rodriguez Headline BAMMA 5 In February

· Article author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Posted on 01/28 at 08:36 PM

Strikeforce welterweight Paul “Semtex” Daley is returning to his native England to compete for the first time since 2009. The standout striker will face off with Yuya Shirai in the main event at BAMMA 5 on February 26 at the MEN Arena in Manchester, England. Also slated for the card will be former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez.

Daley (26-9-2), coming off an impressive knockout victory over Scott Smith in his Strikeforce debut this past December, is riding a three fight win streak since being released from the UFC. That release came after spending the better part of three rounds being out wrestled by the equally brash Josh Koscheck, and then letting his frustrations get the better of him when he punched his opponent long after the final bell.

Since that time, Daley has defeated Daniel Acacio (submission) and Jorge Masvidal (decision), as well as Smith. Still one of the top ranked welterweights in the world, Daley returns to England to the delight of U.K. MMA fans everywhere.

His opponent, Japan’s Yuya Shirai (20-8) has competed for M-1 and Deep over the past few years, picking up wins over Che Mills and Shigetoshi Iwase in his recent five-fight win streak.

Daley vs. Shirai is scheduled for the currently vacant BAMMA welterweight championship.

Former UFC heavyweight champ Ricco Rodriguez (45-11) continues his journey back to the top of the sport as he faces off with “The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights” cast member, and English native, James “The Hammer” McSweeney (4-6).

Rodriquez brings a 10-fight win streak with him to England, while McSweeney attempts
to get back on the winning track after two straight disappointing losses in the UFC.

Other bouts on BAMMA 5’s February 26 event include: