• UFC

Daley predicts big things as Etim and Kelly get new deals

ESPN staff
April 22, 2010
Ross Pearson is the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 9 © Getty Images
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Terry Etim and Paul Kelly have both been handed new contracts by the UFC, and Paul Daley has predicted a bright future for British MMA's lightweight prospects.

Etim and Kelly both had one fight remaining on their old deals, but they have now signed new four-fight deals according to Fighters Only Magazine. Kelly earns his contract off the back of a resounding guillotine choke victory over Matt Veach, while Etim cemented his future with four straight victories before suffering defeat to Rafael Dos Anjos.

The British MMA scene has never looked stronger with Dan Hardy recently competing in a welterweight title fight with Georges St-Pierre, while Daley and Michael Bisping continue to play significant roles in their respective divisions. The UFC also signed three new Brits on Wednesday.

Two more prospects, Andre Winner and Ross Pearson, both train with Daley and are riding two and three-fight win streaks in the UFC respectively. And in a lightweight division that no longer operates under the daunting shadow of BJ Penn, Daley believes UFC gold could be heading to England.

"The lightweight division is wide open after Frankie Edgar beat BJ Penn. Ross and Andre have both got a lot of potential," Daley told ESPN.co.uk.

"Both guys have got the skills and their desire matches their talent now. They've seen success and that's a powerful thing. They get the money, a few more ladies are interested in them, and I think they'll both be chasing the gold in the future."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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