Could Paul Daley Return To The UFC?

Paul Daley and Bellator MMA at the time of writing this are still in the same position, Daley saying his release has been granted, Bellator saying different. Daley is saying relations with Bellator have broken down to a lack of respect and broken promises. But if Bellator did release Daley, could the unthinkable happen and Daley make an unlikely return to the UFC?

Of course, Daley had an infamous run previously with the UFC. In 2009, Daley made his UFC debut in spectacular fashion by stopping Martin Kampmann, another win over Dustin Hazelett, and Daley found himself matched up with Josh Koshchek, with a shot at the UFC welterweight title on the line as well as a coaching stint on the Ultimate Fighter.

Daley had no answer to the wrestling of his opponent and a few seconds after the bell sounded to end the fight, Daley landed a sucker punch.

Dana White said, as a result, he would never fight in the UFC again. What Daley did was undoubtedly wrong, but it was out of frustration, a moment of madness.

Daley probably deserved to lose his job, but a lifetime ban was that really appropriate? Jon Jones, for example, has many indiscretions, Jones and many others have had USADA issues, but they are all welcomed back, surely on that basis Daley deserved a second chance.

With the clock ticking on his MMA career, hopefully, Daley can be given another chance, if he does get his requested release from Bellator, other people have, I don’t see why Daley should be any different.