MFC 19: Daley’s Strikes Take Out Alessio

“Semtex” Paul Daley (18-8-2) TKO’d “The Natural” John Alessio (23-13) at 2:18 of the second round at MFC 19: Long Time Coming in Edmonton, Alberta, Friday night.

The two welterweights began round one cautiously, Daley landing couple of low kicks before Alessio attempted a takedown, unsuccessfully.  Daley continued to land hard kicks to Alessio’s legs.  Alessio charged in with a quick straight right-left hook combination and shot for the double legs again.  Daley made Alessio work hard for the eventual takedown, and did not stay long on the mat.  Daley stood back up and caught Alessio with more kicks.  In the final seconds of the round Daley shot and slammed Alessio to the mat.

The second round started the same way, with Daley kicking Alessio’s legs.  Alessio went for the single leg but Daley stayed on his feet.  Daley resisted a slam and a throw, again making Alessio work hard, and took the fight back to standup.  Visibly fatigued, Alessio avoided a left uppercut but ate a couple of big left hooks before Daley caught him with a left kick that dropped him.  With Alessio covering his head, Daley threw three more hard left punches before the referee stopped the fight.