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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Texas based promotion Shark Fights has added yet another UFC veteran to their September 11 event, as the promotion announced late Monday evening that they have signed exiled welterweight Paul Daley to the Shark Fights 13 card.
"Words cannot express how elated we are that Paul Daley has agreed to fight for our organization," Shark Fights president Brent Medley said in the release. "Daley is arguably one of the best 170-pound fighters in the world.
"We are currently in the process of choosing Daley's opponent. Several marquee fighters are being considered, and a decision will be made very soon. This is shaping up to be an incredible card. Numerous A-list fighters have been confirmed for the Shark Fights 13 roster."
Daley was released from the UFC in May after sucker punching Josh Koscheck following the completion of their bout at UFC 113 in Montreal. Daley has since defeated Daniel Acacio in Australia at an Impact FC event earlier this month.
"I'm very excited to be fighting in the U.S. again," Daley said in the organization's release. "Despite my conduct during the Koscheck fight, which I agree is inexcusable; fans in the United States have been very supportive. For that I am very grateful."
"I can't undo what has already been done, but I'm determined to prove to everyone that the fighter they saw at UFC 113 is not who I am. I am better than that and the fans deserve better than that. I plan to do whatever it takes to earn back their respect and the respect of everyone in the industry. I'm genuinely looking forward to fighting back in the U.S., on what I feel is one of the most impressive fight cards that has been pulled together in quite some time."
Shark Fights 13 will take place from the Amarillo Civic Center in Amarillo, Texas, and will also feature Keith Jardine against Trevor Prangley, Houston Alexander against Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, and Drew McFedries against Joey Villasenor.
Penick's Analysis: Considering it may still take a considerable amount of time for the Quebec commission to hand down any punishment to Daley, this is a good event for him to get on. I don't think Strikeforce will go near him until the Quebec situation is finished, and while Bellator may they obviously haven't come close to an agreement on anything as had been rumored earlier this month. For Shark Fights, though, they're continuing to put together one of the more impressive cards you'll find outside of the major organizations, and fans in Texas should be flocking to this one, for sure.
RELATED STORY: OTHER NEWS: Drew McFedries vs. Joey Villasenor booked for Shark Fights 13: [CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE]
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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