(From left to right: Newell, and a Google Image Search result for “Black Assassin.” See, now *that* would be a competitive fight. / Nick photo courtesy of WSOF via MMAWeekly)
Looks like the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) is serious about grooming and spotlighting recent signee Nick Newell. The lightweight prospect has been matched up with former Ultimate Fighter Season 13 competitor Keon “The Black Assassin” Caldwell at WSOF 4: Spong vs. DeAnda, August 10th at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.
If you remember Keon Caldwell at all, it’s probably not in a good way. He’s the guy who voluntarily left TUF 13 shortly after arriving, a decision we thought was career suicide at the time. Caldwell has only competed once since then, scoring a TKO win over Jonathan Baldree, in July 2011. Caldwell has a 9-1 record overall, but most of his wins have come over fighters with losing records, and again, he hasn’t fought in nearly two years. Yikes. Our condolences go out to Caldwell’s family.
The undefeated Newell has yet to fight in 2013 but is coming off two straight first round finish wins, which brought his pro record to 9-0. The former XFC lightweight champion signed with the World Series of Fighting in hopes that he would get tougher fights against top lightweight free-agents, and eventually get signed by the UFC. This booking doesn’t exactly accomplish that.
WSOF has to be expecting that they’ll be able to showcase Newell kicking somebody’s ass in his debut fight for them, by pairing him against Caldwell. Newell’s overcoming of his disability — he was born with only one fully-developed arm — as well as his dynamic fighting style and penchant for winning violently make him a potential star for the burgeoning organization.
WSOF 4 will also feature President Ray Sefo’s stunt-fight against Dave Huckaba, Tyson Griffin vs. Gesias Cavalcante, and Gerald Harris vs. Jorge Santiago.
What do you say, Nation? Will Newell continue to shine at WSOF and will he eventually get a shot at the UFC?