Paul Daley and Bellator MMA are in a strained relationship at the moment, with the fighter recently saying he was granted a release by the promotion.
Although Bellator MMA officials say Daley is still with the promotion, a return to the UFC is something the British fighter won’t rule out.
“If the UFC contacted me I would go back there. Of course I would,” he said to WHOA TV. “All I want to do is fight the fights that I’m promised within a reasonable time frame. I would love to fight all the big fights I could. Nick Diaz, Donald Cerrone, Rafael dos Anjos, Robbie Lawler and Tyron Woodley. Woodley has always been respectful, he’s one of the only guys who has given me props that he has fought me, every interview he has given he gives me the respect I deserve. That’s all I’m asking for from Bellator just give me some respect. Just put some respect on my name, that is it.”
Daley fought a total of three times in the UFC, but was booted from the promotion after a post-fight punch against Josh Koscheck at UFC 113 in May of 2010.
Outside of a potential return to the UFC, other promotions have been courting Daley as well.
“If Bellator are gonna act like they don’t want me then they should just let me go instead of backtracking in the media,” Daley said. “I’ve had like ten inbox messages from promotions, princes, Kings of Dubai and Russian Oligarchs and all kinds of people. So if they are gonna let me go just let me go.”
Bellator 183 was the last time Daley competed in the promotion and he earned a knockout win over UFC veteran Lorenz Larkin on that night.
