By Ryan Bartlett, FightTicker.com blogger

Paul "Semtex" Daley (18-6-2) is preparing for one of the biggest fights of his career. He will be fighting FightTicker.com's #3 welterweight in the world, Jake Shields, on October 4th. The fight will appear on EliteXC's third CBS show.

The 25-year-old fighter has one of the most befitting nicknames in all of MMA. Like an explosion, his fists or elbows can make you feel like your head is collapsing.

Daley is known to not pull any punches, whether it's in the ring or in interviews, as you'll see when you read this exclusive he did recently with FightTicker.com.

FightTicker.com: I know you are extremely busy preparing for your fight. So, we definitely appreciate you taking time out of your day to talk to FightTicker.com.

FightTicker.com: Could you tell me what your childhood was like?

Paul Daley: My childhood was pretty normal the way i see it. I was a real active child, loved sports...loved being the center of attention.

FightTicker.com: Who were your biggest influences growing up?

Daley: I was the youngest of three children -- my dad had left the family when I was 7 years old. So my biggest influence...and troubles came from my mum and sisters...(laughs). I watched a lot of Kung Fu/Ninja movies and admired the success of rap stars. That’s until I met my current Muay Thai coach and mentor Rupert Smillie, around 6 years ago.

FightTicker.com: What do you think your greatest achievement has been so far? It doesn't have to be MMA based.
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Daley: Tough question, I do not think I can answer. I have high goals for my self. I am still on the path. In MMA, I want to be recognized as the number one fighter in the world. So, that is an achievement I strive for...but the greatest will be something away from sport, in life, for others.

FightTicker.com: What got you into martial arts?

Daley: Watching old Kung Fu and Ninja movies growing up. I always wanted to be able to disappear and then come back throwing ninja stars. (laughs)

FightTicker.com: What do you do to relax? Do you have a favorite movie, besides "Sammy and Rosie Get Laid"? (note: "Sammy and Rosie Get Laid" is a movie that Paul was in as a child.)

Daley: (Laughs) So, you know I’m an international movie star!!!??? I have a number of fav movies....

FightTicker.com: With Dan Hardy and you both in major organizations, are there any other Team Rough House fighters we should be watching for?

Daley: Yeah, we have a number of awesome up and comers. Judo Jim Wallhead is destined for great things, as is Andre Winner, Lee Livingstone and Dean Amersinger -- all [these] guys have huge potential.

FightTicker.com: What is the favorite fight that you have been in?

Daley: Sam Morgan, not because it was a great fight, but the energy I felt afterwards was amazing.

FightTicker.com: Now that you are less than four weeks out from your fight, what will your training consist of?

Daley: Well, most of my camp runs alongside Melvin Manhoef's Dream Grand Prix Final training here in Amsterdam at Mike's Gym. So we are training hard on our conditioning, stand up, sparring and takedown defense. We also have Antonio Carvalho out here helping with our groundwork.

FightTicker.com: Do you have to cut weight or do you usually stay around 170 pounds?

Daley: I stay around 185 lbs and cut to 170 lbs. I'm real strong and powerful at 170 lbs. I never feel bad after the weight cut.

FightTicker.com: Steroids are a hot topic in sports right now. What are your thoughts on fighters that are caught using steroids?

Daley: Fighters do what they wanna do and face the consequences. Me personally, I don’t agree with the use of steroids. I eat well, and train my ass off, and still beat up on guys I suspect take steroids...so....

FightTicker.com: Your sudden retirement shocked the mixed martial arts world. Do you feel that you are in a good place mentally now?

Daley: I'm in a great place mentally right now. I am focused and determined. I’m gonna do great things in the sport to the highest level, trust me. 100% FOCUS.

FightTicker.com: You were originally supposed to fight Lyman Goon on the cancelled September 20 show. Can you explain how the fight with Jake Shields came about?

Daley: They asked me for the fight a while back, and a few times I put the fight off as I felt I was not ready. Now I know I’m ready, and jumped at the chance. Jake is gonna get KO'd for sure, trust me!

FightTicker.com: What is your contract status with Pro Elite? How many fights do you have left on contract?

Daley: I have three fights after this fight left with Pro Elite.

FightTicker.com: You are fighting Jake Shields, in what many would call "the real main event" of the night on CBS October 4. Is that extra pressure on you, as a fighter, or is this just the time to show the world who Paul Daley is?

Daley: There is no pressure for me. I am confident and very relaxed. I have seen the fight 100 times already in my head, dealt with the cheers. the boos and all that. Victory is already mine.

FightTicker.com: There are very few people with the Muay Thai skills that you have. Your fists and elbows are pure brutality. What will Jake Shields remember after standing up with you?

Daley: He won't remember much...just waking up I guess. I'm gonna be real mean in this fight, fuck Jake Shields, you’re going to see. I am stronger, I hit harder, I take punishment and he will not take me down, or hold me there for long if I make a mistake. This is gonna be a shock to those Jake Shields nut huggers. Once I am in that top ten, I'm coming after everyone above me....

FightTicker.com: Jake Shields called out GSP and Jon Fitch after his last fight and there were rumors of him fighting Matt Lindland at the next Affliction show. Do you feel that he is overlooking the talent that is in EliteXC?

Daley: Yup, he has and this is a big mistake for him. I'm so pumped for the fight that I feel something is gonna go wrong, like he is gonna pull out or something...scared...I would if I was him. He don’t know what’s coming.

FightTicker.com: Who do you feel is the best pound for pound fighter in the world?

Daley: BJ Penn, for sure. He is awesome.

FightTicker.com: Finally, does the self-proclaimed "greatest welterweight in the world" have any comments about your fight against Jake Shields? What can the fans expect to see from Paul "Semtex" Daly on October 4?

Daley: Fuck Jake Shields. I’m gonna crush him, and give him such a brutal knock out, he better be fucking scared. Or even better let him not, let him laugh and think I’m talking shit. Give me even more motivation.

(Photo courtesy of ProElite.com.)