Bellator 216’s main event will feature the third bout in the Welterweight Grand Prix and it’s a great one between rivals Michael Page and Paul Daley, who has deflected Page’s trash talk thus far.
New York, NY — After over a year of build-up, Paul Daley and Michael Page will square off in the first round of the Welterweight Grand Prix in the main event of Bellator 216 on Saturday. The added stakes have made this an even more exciting fight for both the fans and the fighters.
“I’m looking forward to it. It’s been a long time coming. A lot has been coming from his way and I’ve just been sitting back, assessing, plotting, and we’re ready to go.”
A common criticism of Michael Page’s career thus far is that he has not faced a true test thus far, with his most notable opponents being Bellator veterans in Evangelista Santos and Dave Rickels. Those criticisms will be put to rest one way or another on Saturday.
“He’s fought guys with more experience than him, but he hasn’t fought me. His idea of those veterans that he’s fought is completely different from what I am.”
Aside from excitement, one of the reactions the public had when this fight was announced was confusion that it was not taking place in the UK. Scott Coker went on to explain they tried but couldn’t lock down London’s two biggest arenas for the dates requested. Daley does not mind fighting in the states instead.
“I’m a little surprised but I can understand why it’s not taking place there. They tried their best to get it in the UK and couldn’t make it happen. Timing just wasn’t right. To be here, in the USA at the Mohegan Sun Arena where we always sell it out, it makes sense.”
The welterweight tournament is full of great talent. Waiting for Paul Daley (if he defeats Michael Page), will be former champion Douglas Lima. Lima has a victory over Daley, and it’s a defeat that the Englishman would love to erase from his record.
“I think there are a lot of killers in the tournament. I think Scott Coker’s put together a really interesting tournament. I’m happy it’s going to get attention and that people are behind it and really interested in the matchups that have been made so far. It helps with preparation and a rematch with Douglas Lima is what I’m really after so it’s all good.”
Daley vs. Page is one of two fights remaining in the first round of the tournament. On the other side of the bracket is a welterweight title fight between champion Rory MacDonald and Jon Fitch. With experience fighting both men, Daley’s prediction holds more weight than most.
“I think Rory wins. I think Rory will be in the final if he doesn’t get injured. He’s an extremely talented fighter. One of the best pound-for-pound fighters in my opinion. It’s not an easy tournament but I see Rory being in the final.”
In an attempt to get under the skin of Daley, Page called his opponent a sore loser. This, of course, goes back to when Daley punched Josh Koscheck well after the final bell of a one-sided loss. Daley took the criticism in stride.
“I’ve lost 16 times in MMA. If I was a sore loser, I wouldn’t continue in the sport having lost those fights. I’m a guy who seeks to improve and I seek perfection. I’ve learned that perfection is unattainable so my journey is endless, so no matter what happens, I will keep going.”
Bellator 216 takes place Saturday night at 9:00 p.m. EST on Paramount Network. Cageside Press will be at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, to provide live coverage when Paul Daley battles Michael Page in the main event.
