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Daley causing new headache for UFC

Paul Daley has won his last four fights © Getty Images

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Paul Daley is threatening to pull out of his highly anticipated Strikeforce encounter with Nick Diaz following Zuffa's purchase of the MMA organisation.

As part of the ground-breaking deal, Strikeforce now comes under the same umbrella as the UFC, meaning Daley is now effectively once again working in connection with UFC president Dana White.

The British welterweight was kicked out of the UFC in 2010 after he threw an illegal punch at Josh Koscheck after the fight had ended, and White announced that Daley would never fight in the UFC again. That stance has been reiterated by White in the aftermath of the Strikeforce purchase.

Now Daley, whose fight with Diaz is one of the highlights of the MMA calendar, is claiming he may pull out in order to work for a different employer.

"Business as usual? What if I don't wanna fight for Dana White/Zuffa?" Daley questioned on the Underground forums after White's claims that Strikeforce would run as always.

"Dana White bans me for life from the UFC, then buys Strikeforce, and thinks I'm still gonna be easy and fight on one of the most anticipated fights of the year, which will no doubt make Zuffa/Dana White money?

"Not sure what I'm gonna do right now, honestly, fight for Strikeforce and be Strikeforce champ, put money in Zuffa/Dana White's pockets? Or fight here, in the UK for BAMMA, who appreciate my brand, and have my loyal fans, family and media support me.

"For real. I have a great deal at BAMMA and make just as much money, believe it or not, as I do in the USA. They appreciate my services and what I bring to the company. There is still a lot of competition out there, not all the best fighters are with UFC/Strikeforce, just they get the most recognition."

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