Bellator 238 co-main event breakdown: Darrion Caldwell vs. Adam Borics meet in clash of styles
MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom breaks down the Bellator’s top bouts. Today, we look at the co-main event for Bellator 238.
Bellator 238 takes place Saturday at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. The main card streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.
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Darrion Caldwell (13-3 MMA, 10-2 BMMA)
Staple info:
Height: 5’10” Age: 32 Weight: 145 lbs. Reach: 74″
Last fight: Decision win over Henry Corrales (Sept. 28, 2019)
Camp: Pinnacle MMA (California)
Stance/striking style: Southpaw/kickboxing
Risk management: Good
Supplemental info:
+ Bellator bantamweight champion
+ NCAA Division I wrestling champion
+ Multiple wrestling accolades
+ 2 knockout victories
+ 5 submission wins
+ 6 first-round finishes
+ Athletic and explosive mover
^ Closes distance quickly
+ Steadily improved striking ability
+ Superb takedown ability
^ Seamlessly chains and transitions
+ Excellent top game and control
^ Floats and rides positions well
Adam Borics (14-0 MMA, 5-0 BMMA)
Staple info:
Height: 5’11” Age: 26 Weight: 145 lbs. Reach: 70.5″
Last fight: TKO win over Pat Curran (Sept. 7, 2019)
Camp: Hard Knocks 365 (Florida)
Stance/striking style: Orthodox/muay Thai
Risk management: Good
Supplemental info:
+ Regional MMA title
+ Muay Thai and karate background
+ 4 knockout victories
+ 6 submission wins
+ 3 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Good footwork and distance management
+ Technically sound striking
^ Can variate from leg kicks to flying knees
+ Underrated wrestling ability
+ Good transitional grappler
^ Creates scrambles and submission opportunities
Point of interest: Exploding into space
The co-main event for Bellator 238 features another installment of the promotion’s featherweight grand prix, where we will be privy to yet another collision course of hot prospects.
Despite being an accoladed wrestler who unabashedly works toward his strengths early and often, Darrion Caldwell has been steadily rounding out his game since stepping onto the Bellator stage.
Operating out of a southpaw stance, Caldwell will usually circle on the outside as he offers up different feints and fakes. Utilizing his exceptionally long frame and reach, the 32-year-old launches disruptive jabs and crosses that can halt his opponent’s initial momentum.
Embracing his southpaw sensibilities, Caldwell also carries hard kicks that he variates between the body, head and legs – though I’m not sure how much he’ll want to play that game with a layered threat like Adam Borics.
An undefeated muay Thai fighter who comes from a kenpo karate background, Borics’ striking style carries a unique, explosive accuracy that attaches itself nicely to the “art of eight limbs.”
Demonstrating a keen sense of distance management (likely another byproduct of his karate background), Borics stays measured with healthy doses of jabs, hooks and leg kicks, variating his targets and timing in the process. And when the 26-year-old talent senses an opportunity, he’s not shy about taking it via the form of flying knees.
Akin to an NBA player who is about to hit a slam dunk, Borics will launch a knee into the air off of his rear leg in order to punctuate his presence off of his lead leg/side. Even though this technique serves as a solid takedown deterrent on highlight reels, I do wonder how much Borics will willingly throw himself out of position given Caldwell’s ultimate goal.
Next point of interest: Warding off wrestling
Bellator 238 co-main event breakdown: Darrion Caldwell vs. Adam Borics meet in clash of styles