Darrion Caldwell

Darrion Caldwell (born December 19, 1987) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Featherweight division for Bellator MMA.

Wrestling career

Caldwell had a record of 146-4 in high school, and was a 3 time state champion in New Jersey. He would go on to wrestle D1 at North Carolina State.

In his true freshman season of 06-07, his record was 20-6. He missed becoming an all-american by one match. In 07-08, he went 36-5 and finished in 5th place in the nation, earning all-american status. In 08-09, he went 38-1, and became national champion by defeating 2008 national champion and Dan Hodge Trophy winner, Brent Metcalf, 11-6. He was named most outstanding wrestler of the national championship tournament. Caldwell's only defeat was by injury default. Off the back of this performance, Caldwell was invited to attempt to join the senior-level Freestyle Wrestling world team, despite having little experience in the different style of wrestling. He finished in 3rd place at the world team trials, and defeated the reigning olympian at the weight class along the way.

In the offseason Caldwell suffered a series of devastating shoulder injuries, which required surgery and forced him to redshirt the 09-10 season. Caldwell returned to action midway through the 10-11 year, and was undefeated in 15 matches. He was the number 1 seed for the 2011 national championships, but unfortunately suffered yet another shoulder injury in the second round match, which ended his college career. Caldwell finished his collegiate career with a 109-13 record, with 58 victories coming by a pin.

Caldwell attempted to qualify for the 2012 olympic team, but the string of injuries left him outside of his top form. He was eliminated in round 3 of the final U.S. olympic trials qualifier. He then decided to pursue a career in MMA.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career: Legacy Fighting Championship

In July 2012, it was revealed that Caldwell had signed with Texas-based promotion Legacy Fighting Championship.^[1]

Caldwell made his MMA and promotional debut against David Armas at Legacy FC 14 on September 14, 2012. For the majority of the fight, Caldwell was able to control the fight on the ground, mounting and taking Armas' back several times. He won via unanimous decision.^[2]

In his second professional fight, Caldwell met Quaint Kempf at Legacy FC 16 on December 14, 2012. He won the fight via TKO after dropping Kempf with a left hand and unloading with a series of punches on the ground.^[3]

Caldwell next faced Gerzan Chaw at Legacy FC 21 on July 19, 2013. He won the fight via unanimous decision after three rounds.^[4]

Bellator MMA

Caldwell signed with Bellator MMA in November 2013.^[5]

Caldwell made his debut for the promotion against Lance Surma on March 14, 2014 at Bellator 112. He won via guillotine choke submission at 0:50 in the first round.^[6]

In his second appearance for Bellator, Caldwell faced Joe Pingitore at Bellator 118 on May 2, 2014. He won via submission in the first round, improving his record to 5–0.^[7]

In his third appearance for the promotion, Caldwell faced Anthony Dizi at Bellator 130 on October 24, 2014.^[8] He won the fight via unanimous decision. He later stated in an interview that he plans to move down to the Bantamweight division.^[9]

Caldwell is expected to make his Bantamweight debut against Rafael Silva on May 15, 2015 at Bellator 137.^[10]

Mixed martial arts record

References