Darrion Caldwell began his quest to become a champion with a bang Friday night, scoring a submission victory over Joe Warren in the main event of Bellator 151.
What was billed as a wrestler vs. wrestler main event from Thackerville, Oklahoma, quickly turned into the young prospect taking out the old guard.
Caldwell, who won an NCAA wrestling title while competing at N.C. State, delivered a breath-taking suplex on Warren that stunned the former two-division Bellator champion. He quickly transitioned to the back, securing a rear-naked choke to improve to 9-0 overall in his career.
The co-main event featured Fernando Gonzalez picking up a decision victory over ex-Resurrection Fighting Alliance champion and one-time Ultimate Fighter competitor Gilbert Smith, while Bubba Jenkins did the same vs. Goiti Yamauchi and Joe Taimanglo vs. Sirwan Kakai as part of the Spike TV main card.
On the early prelims, Treston Thomison, Jermayne Barnes, Neiman Gracie, Ricky Turcios, Justin Patterson and Ray Wood all claimed wins.
Complete results can be found below:
Darrion Caldwell def. Joe Warren via technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:23 of Round 1
Fernando Gonzalez def. Gilbert Smith via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Bubba Jenkins def. Goiti Yamauchi via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Joe Taimanglo def. Sirwan Kakai via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Treston Thomison def. Aaron Robertson via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:20 of Round 2
Jermayne Barnes def. Derek Palmer via submission (strikes) at 1:17 of Round 2
Neiman Gracie def. Roger Carroll via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Ricky Turcios def. Steve Garcia via split decision (29-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Justin Patterson def. Chance Rencountre via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Ray Wood def. Chris Jones via TKO (strikes) at 3:10 of Round 1