• UFC

Paul Daley backed to 'sort out' UFC return

ESPN staff
April 17, 2011
Paul Daley put on a phenomenal show against Nick Diaz © Getty Images
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Paul Daley has been backed to use the pain of defeat to Nick Diaz in order to launch himself back into the UFC.

British lightweight Ross Pearson is a Rough House team-mate of Daley and they also share the same manager, and Pearson admits the welterweight slugger is currently hugely disappointed following his Strikeforce title defeat.

Daley's immediate future is likely to remain in Strikeforce, with relations between him and the UFC still icy after the post-fight sucker punch on Josh Koscheck in 2009, but Pearson is backing his team-mate to fight his way back to the top.

"I haven't spoken to Paul, but we're managed by the same guy, and Paul's in good spirits," Pearson told ESPN. "He knows the mistakes he made, he's very disappointed, but Nick Diaz is no slouch.

"Paul will now take time off and come back stronger as he always does. He'll get back on the horse and get back up there.

"He's one of the best in the world, fans want to see him fight, and I would like to see him back in the UFC, but that's not my area. It's up to Paul and the UFC to sort that out."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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