5 takeaways from Bellator 281

#2. Paul Daley has plenty of options after Bellator 281 win

It was a fantastic sendoff for Paul Daley, who called it a career after knocking out Wendel Giacomo at Bellator 281. It was a vintage performance for one of the promotion’s greatest knockout artists in front of his home crowd.

Daley was originally scheduled to fight former welterweight champion Andrey Koreshkov. But the fight fell through after Koreshkov was forced to withdraw from the event. The change of opponent didn’t faze ‘Semtex’ as he remained committed and enthusiastic to put on a show.

Giacomo wasn’t outclassed and had his moments throughout the fight as he managed to take Daley down. However, Daley remained composed and reversed the position, which led to a vicious knockout. He landed a powerful combination that ended with him dropping Giacomo with a right-hook.

Despite ‘Semtex’ saying it was final fight, he didn’t rule out a return to the cage. He mentioned that if he receives a lucrative offer, he would consider competing in Bellator again.

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#1. Logan Storley becomes interim Bellator welterweight champion

Logan Storley earned a split decision win over hometown favorite Michael ‘Venom’ Page to become interim Bellator welterweight champion. Storley stuck to his strengths to keep the fight on the ground. He constantly attempted takedowns to avoid getting into a slugfest with a far superior striker.

‘Storm’s wrestling-heavy approach obviously wasn’t well received with the London crowd, who booed when there wasn’t much activity. Many felt that MVP should have been awarded the decision because Storley didn't inflict damage on the ground. ‘Venom’ had success at the start of each round as he landed combinations. But ‘Storm’ took him down and outwrestled him with his transitions.

It remains to be seen what the promotion will plan on doing with their interim champion. Reigning welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov is currently in Ukraine, so he won’t be available for the time being.