If there is one bittersweet thing about combat tournaments, it’s the fact that undefeated fighters put their records at risk. Even if the bouts fans want to see are scheduled earlier than later, the best will collide during every round of Bellator’s 145lb Grand Prix. On Saturday, one of those fighters, Adam Borics looks to stay undefeated against Darrion Caldwell and put it all on the line.
Caldwell has fought some of the best in Bellator. He lost to Kyoji Horiguchi, but that was at a different weight class. Caldwell stalled nearly the entire fight and could not claim victory, but this does not mean that he cannot be an exciting fighter. Adam Borics has notable wins as well. He crumbled Aaron Pico with a flying knee and made fans question the future of Pico’s career. The knee was so clinical that it may have knocked out anyone. Given that Borics was losing every second of the fight at the time, he showed that he has excellent timing and killer instinct.
A post shared by Adam Borics (@adamborics) on Nov 6, 2019 at 10:52am PST
Like Caldwell’s fight against Horiguchi, Aaron Pico seemed to be stalling and holding Borics down to earn an eventless decision-win. Horiguchi put up resistance but had a hard time overcoming Caldwell’s length and body mass. Here Borics will not be out sized or have a reach disadvantage, so this will likely force Caldwell to use all his skills en route to victory. Will the fight be exciting? No one ever knows for sure. What is certain is that Borics is one of several young, undefeated fighters looking to claim a belt and retain their flawless record in this tournament.
The champion Patricio Pitbull can do it all and is one of the most exciting fighters in the Bellator promotion. Assuming he makes it to the final, any style he faces will be compelling. First everyone must get past this next round of the tournament and on January 25th, either Borics or Caldwell will take another step towards glory.
In every round, the anticipation of the fans is concentrated more and more. Losing in this tournament means that all losers will have to wait until after the finale to get a chance to fight for the title at all. So, in a way the title is on the line every time.
A post shared by Darrion Caldwell (@thewolfmma) on Dec 27, 2019 at 11:37am PST
All these talents are in position to spring themselves into the spotlight and this makes every fight in the tournament worth watching. Even 50 Cent is promoting Bellator talent using his platform. Earlier this year he stated that he will move toward fighter management opportunities as well. 50 Cent persists in the Bellator community, ESPN just embraced the UFC, Bellator and PFL, the exposure has never been higher.
Borics may have to be a little more creative when trying to connect with American fans, but Caldwell may not have as much trouble. The African American market has yet to be seized by any fighter in the sport, even by Jon Jones. Fans know of him, but do not seem invested in him very much. Ethnic identity has always played a factor in both the popularity of combat athletes and their places in history. With a few right moves, Caldwell could take the fanbase for himself.
A post shared by Darrion Caldwell (@thewolfmma) on Sep 27, 2019 at 9:51am PDT
First thing is first, both men will have to win. Saturday we will see who deserves to stay in the tournament, and hopefully the judges stay out of everyone’s way. On top of all of that, Cris Cyborg makes her return to resume her devastation against women across the globe. She will stand across from Julia Budd in Bellator’s headliner and look to redeem herself after that historic, and heartbreaking loss to Amanda Nunes last winter.
A post shared by Adam Borics (@adamborics) on Dec 10, 2019 at 6:00am PST
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