UFC 113: Paul Daley - “Window of Opportunity”

Paul "Semtex" Daley will face Josh Koscheck at UFC 113 on May 8th

> Don't miss our UFC 113 predictions and find the official UFC 113 results after the fights are complete here at Pro Fighting Fans!

Paul Daley is truly a fighter on the rise in the UFC welterweight division. Daley has charged into the UFC with back-to-back knockouts making it 17 and 18 for his career. If “Semtex” can get by Josh Koscheck on May 8th at UFC 113; he will have transitioned from a fighter who is on the rise to a fighter who has arrived on the biggest stage possible.

Find great unique MMA style t-shirts & clothing online from Intimidation Clothing!

Daley came into the organization last fall after stints in several mid-level promotions. Daley had appearances with Cage Rage, Pancrase, Elite XC, Strikeforce and other organizations prior to joining the UFC. At UFC 103 last September, Daley earned an overwhelming 1st round TKO over Martin Kampmann in his octagon debut. Less than four months later, Daley re-entered the octagon at UFC 108 with similar results. He caught jiu-jitsu specialist Dustin Hazelett with a hard right hand and earned another 1st round stoppage via KO (2:24).

The British power puncher comes into his third fight riding high with confidence. A victory over Koscheck should vault Daley into a #1 contender position. Another interesting outcome from UFC 113 is a rumored coaching position on The Ultimate Fighter 12. However, his coaching position is not confirmed at this point and may also change in the near future, especially if the UFC adds Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Jake Shields to the mix when his contract runs out (Shields' natural fighting weight is 170 pounds).

Daley matches up well with Kos. His striking skills are comparable to those of his opponent. Daley has power in both hands whereas Koscheck concentrates mostly on his big right hand to finish fights. Daley has a slight edge in this area of the fight.

As far as ground game goes, Daley may be outmatched in a wrestling bout, but in an MMA fight wrestling is only one aspect. The Team Rough House fighter is not a former All-American or Olympic medalist; however, he is strong and durable no matter where the fight may end up. His purple belt in jiu-jitsu doesn’t match up with Koscheck’s brown belt, but I wouldn’t count him out either.

> Look to Pro Fighting Fans for the official UFC 113 fight results after the fights are complete and check out the expanded selection of UFC clothing & merchandise available online!

Whether the TUF 12 rumors are true or false, a lot is at stake for Daley at UFC 113. While a loss against a top 5 UFC welterweight such as Koscheck wouldn’t end his career, it would derail it for the time being. In this day of MMA, you have to take advantage of your opportunities when they come. Well, for Daley, his opportunity will be right in front of him in Canada on May 8th. It’s his job to take it and make the most of it.

> Don't miss our feature on Paul Daley entitled UFC 113: Josh Koscheck - Now or Never.

By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Senior MMA Staff Writer