The spring equinox is just about here. One of the nicknames people give this rite of passage to signal the end of the winter season is “Party time.” Even the late, great comedian Robin Williams said as much in one of his stand-up routines.
“Spring is nature’s way of saying ‘Let’s party!'”, Williams was quoted as saying. With the chill and snow of winter giving way to the flowers and warm temperatures of spring, people will begin to gather together again en masse, and as the weather breaks, they’ll be more prone to take their proceedings outside,
It’s in that spirit that The All-Nicknames Club calls its fourth meeting to order. Ever since last November, we’ve met periodically to induct MMA fighters past and present based on their nicknames.
If, by chance, you need a bit of a refresher course on how our rules and regulations work in the club, you can access the minutes of our first meeting from November of 2024. Remember what Cosmo Kramer said in that one Seinfeld episode: “Without rules, there’s chaos.”
The All-Nicknames Club: Inductee No. 11: Dalton “Hercules” Rosta
For our first inductee in this meeting of The All-Nicknames Club, we travel to New Castle, PA, the hometown of PFL middleweight Dalton “Hercules” Rosta (9-1 MMA.) The western Pennsylvania native who wrestled at Seton Hill University before a brief stint on the Youngstown State University football program as a linebacker during the 2015 season, Bo Pelini’s first after being hired to replace Eric Wolford as the Penguins’ head coach, turned to MMA without suiting up on a fall Saturday at Stambaugh Stadium.
Upon joining the late Bellator MMA in 2019 to begin his professional career, he immediately went on a hot streak, scoring eight consecutive wins, including four by stoppage, highlighted by a third-round knockout of Romero Cotton in July of 2022.
While a shot at the Bellator MMA Middleweight Championship would elude “Hercules”, he finds himself in position for a shot at a title this spring.
Rosta Headed to Central Florida in April
In a few short weeks, Dalton Rosta will be trekking down to Orlando, FL and Universal Studios’ backlot, but it won’t be to check out any of the attractions. This upcoming trip is strictly business.
During the April 18 PFL World Tournament card at Universal Orlando, he’ll square off in an opening-round fight against Sadibou Sy (17-6-2, 1 NC MMA, 11-6-1, 1 NC PFL.) This contest is Rosta’s first under the PFL banner, having exclusively competed in Bellator for his first 10 career MMA contests.
Win or lose, Dalton Rosta’s nickname of “Hercules” suits him to a T. He’s strong, he’s fierce, and he’s a force to be reckoned with.
The All-Nicknames Club Inductee No. 12: “Yoo-Jitsu” Su Young You
Our second inductee during this meeting of the club is also the newest to join the UFC’s active roster. During the 2024 Road to UFC tournament at bantamweight, Su Young You (15-3, 2 NC MMA, 2-0 UFC) secured a UFC contract with a run of three wins by decision, including a unanimous one against Baergeng Jieleyesi (19-6 MMA, 0-1 UFC) in Macau to punch his ticket to the No. 1 MMA promotion in the world.
On March 15, he made the walk inside the UFC Apex to square off with AJ Cunningham during the prelims of UFC Vegas 104. Cunningham suffered a unanimous decision loss to You, nicknamed “Yoo-Jitsu.”
“Yoo-Jitsu” Already a Decorated Champ
This is an impressive young man whose career already has some impressive highlights. Prior to his UFC debut last fall, You had already won five championship fights over the course of a three-year span.
He’s already earned a spot in our All-Nicknames Club, but keep an eye on him in the coming years. Su Young You could also gain a UFC championship in the future.
The All-Nicknames Club: Inductee No. 13: Paul “Semtex” Daley
For our final enshrinement today, we go to the welterweight division where we’ll induct a true legend of the sport of MMA into our All-Nicknames Club. It’s time for Paul Daley (44-18-2 MMA,) an alumnus of Bellator, the UFC, Strikeforce, and EliteXC, to get his flowers.
Daley, nicknamed “Semtex”, posted a 44-18-2 record over his 64 professional fights, retiring from active competition in MMA in 2022. A planned boxing fight the following year never materialized.
“Semtex”‘ scheduled opponent in the ring in April of 2023, Anthony Taylor, withdrew from the Gamebred Boxing card. From there, Daley was booked to box Markus Perez that night, but “Semtex” himself had to drop out of the event after he could not secure a visa to fight in the United States.
Daley Turned in Amazing Career
While his contest in pugilism was dead before it began two years ago, there’s no denying that Paul Daley had one brilliant career in the cage. He may have gone 0-2 in championship fights, but his status as an MMA legend is forever cemented.
Meeting Adjourned
With that, the fourth meeting of The All-Nickname Club is adjourned. Enjoy your spring.
