Darrion Caldwell has been through many ups and downs in his 28 years on this planet. From becoming a wrestling National Champion at North Carolina State his Junior year to being forced to red shirt the following year to injury. Darrion knows extremes from both sides of the spectrum. He now sets his sites on becoming Bellator Bantamweight Champion. The only thing standing in front of him and that opportunity is fellow Bantamweight Joe Taimanglo. With an impressive win, Caldwell is all but guaranteed a shot at current champion Eduardo Dantas.
It seems like Caldwell always has the cards stacked against him. This time is no different. On June 26th, less than 4 weeks until his fight against Taimanglo, Ryan Jimmo was tragically killed in a hit and run. Jimmo was Caldwells teammate, friend, and former roommate. “…it’s heartbreaking ya know. He’s been critical to my career ya know. It’s been times where I was down and (I thought) I don’t want to do this anymore. Having Jimmo there next to me. He came all the way from Canada to train to be the best. It made me want to keep workin. Ya know? Made me not want to give up…”
Despite the adversity Caldwell is ready for the biggest challenge in his young MMA career. Listen to his thoughts on his opponent, what he thought about Anderson Silva v.s. Daniel Cormier, and why he believes he has to be thinking multi-weight champion.
There has only been 4 champions in the history of the of Bellators Bantomweight division. Caldwell is looking to make it 5 and keep it that way for a long, long time.