Bellator inks former NCAA champ Darrion Caldwell
Bellator MMA has added a former NCAA Division I national wrestling champion to its featherweight roster.
The organization today announced the signing of undefeated Darrion Caldwell (3-0 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) to a “long-term deal,†though contracts details weren’t revealed.
“Everything just really fell into place for me to sign with a prestigious organization like Bellator,†Caldwell stated. “I’m really embracing this opportunity. During our talks, the tournament format is something I thought about a lot, and that’s what I always grew up with being a Division I wrestler. I’m used to looking at a bracket and seeing my name against another fighter, so I’m absolutely looking forward to my first tournament run.â€
According to today’s announcement, the 25-year-old will first compete in some featured fights before joining a future tournament field. As Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney stated, Caldwell “will be brought along slowly and given time to develop.â€
The fighter, who won his 2009 national championship at North Carolina State University, went 3-0 after turning to MMA and fighting for Legacy Fighting Championship, which has become a pipeline for top talent. Most recently, Caldwell earned a unanimous-decision victory over Gerzan Chaw (3-2 at the time) in July at Legacy FC 21.
Caldwell, who overcame a severe shoulder dislocation during his senior year at N.C. State with the help of world-renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews, currently trains at Power MMA and Fitness. The Arizona gym is home to some notable and fellow wrestlers-turned-MMA fighters, including Ryan Bader and C.B. Dollaway.
