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[Texasboyballin]

In mixed martial arts' relatively short history, it has been a rare occasion in which a British fighter has been featured on a prominent card. At "EliteXC: Heat," Paul Daley (18-6-2) will follow in the recent steps of countryman James Thompson, as "Semtex" gets his opportunity in an Oct. 4 battle with Jake Shields (21-4) -- live on network television for the EliteXC welterweight crown.

Daley recently told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) that he is relishing the prospect of this massive fight -- and that he feels he is more than capable of ending Shields' 10-fight winning streak while taking his title in the process.

"This is a great fight for me," Daley said. "[Shields] has gotta do what his game is, I gotta do mine. So it should be an entertaining fight -- before I knock him out."

Reigning over the U.K.'s local circuit for several years, Daley made his explosive entry to the U.S. scene with a 2007 knockout of eight-year veteran Duane "Bang" Ludwig at "Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Baroni." Currently riding a six-fight win streak -- all six by stoppages due to strikes -- confidence is at its peak for the 25-year-old.

Now being featured in an American network-television broadcast card, Daley will seek to become the first-ever British title-holder in a major MMA organization. Some MMA pundits view this as the biggest bout ever contested by a British fighter.

"It's a tough question," Daley said of that opinion. "(Michael) Bisping versus (Rashad) Evans (at UFC 78) was a big fight. But then Evans was not a top-10 fighter, nor was the fight on CBS."

Not content with sticking to his normal training regime for this upcoming fight, Daley decided to seek higher-level sparring partners. This led him to Holland where he found some of the best training and partners the region had to offer.

"I worked out with Melvin Manhoef, Antonio Carvalho, Jason Jones and some other guys to get ready for Shields," Daley explained.

Carrying the momentum of a 10-fight win streak en route to the EliteXC welterweight title, Shields has looked impressive as of late while showing huge advances in his game. Shields has been finishing opponents with ferocity while demonstrating a dominant top-position grappling game.

Daley respects the skills and stylistic challenge that the Cesar Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt poses.

"[Shields] is a great fighter and very good at what he does," Daley admitted. "But I'm ready."

No stranger to holding titles himself, Daley was the Cage Rage welterweight champion and also held King of The Ring Muay-Thai gold. However Shields represents a large step up in competition as Daley attempts to elevate his stature in the fight game.

A win over Shields would lift the Nottingham-native into stardom. The highly ambitious Daley views the fight as the beginning of a glorious career which the 25-year-old envisions for himself.

"I want to fight more great fights, defend the belt," Daley said. "Maybe fight in the Dream welterweight grand prix -- if it happens -- and then maybe go to the UFC."

However, before Daley can map out his future, he must first face the huge task of defeating Shields. Not one to shy away from bold claims, Daley issued his plan for the fight.

"I'm going to win via knockout or a referee's stoppage."

Source:
Paul Daley ready for Jake Shields

[jhell]

I hope for his sake he is ready, because Jake Shields is no slouch. I'd honestly be surprised if Daley could pull this one out.

[bobcat]

Daley is good at somewhere like Cage Rage and as a fellow country man I should really be backing him, but I don't see him beating Jake - but you never know in MMA.