Darrion Caldwell says Bellator champ Patricio Freire avoided grand prix clash

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Darrion Caldwell is surprised Bellator champion Patricio Freire didn’t choose to fight him when he had the opportunity.

At the Bellator featherweight grand prix selection show September, dual-champion Freire (30-4 MMA, 18-4 BMMA) elected to fight Pedro Carvalho instead of Caldwell (14-3 MMA, 11-2 BMMA) .

Caldwell was then matched up against Adam Borics, who he takes on Saturday in a tournament quarterfinal bout, which also serves as the co-main event of Bellator 238 at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif.

Freire’s decision surprised Caldwell, as well as Bellator president Scott Coker, who voiced his displeasure with Freire’s choice at the post-event press conference. Caldwell confronted Freire backstage following the selection show. The altercation was captured on video. In Caldwell’s eyes, Freire’s strategy is to avoid him when possible.

“I was surprised,” Caldwell told MMA Junkie. “Obviously, there’s been some talk back and fourth. The fact he had an opportunity to pick the fight after we were verbally disagreeing for a while, I figured he’d pick me. Overall, I think his strategy was to stay away from me more than anything.”

Whether it’s now or later, Caldwell said a matchup with “Pitbull” will materialize. It’s just a matter of time.

“That fight has got to happen,” Caldwell said. “Eventually ‘Pitbull’ and I will be in the cage with the doors locked. It’s just inevitable.”

Regardless of how the bracket unfolded, Caldwell said he knew he’d be up against a stiff test in the second round of the 16-man tournament. Hungary’s Borics (14-0 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) fits the description. Borics is undefeated, but Caldwell said he hasn’t met anyone of his caliber.

“Adam has never faced a star like me,” Caldwell said. “He’s never fought a guy who won’t bow down to him. I’m not willing to give him anything. I don’t think he’s ever fought a world-class fighter like myself – a guy who’s been in five round fights and fought for world championships.

“I think he’s got a lot of attributes. He’s got a lot of things that he does well. All in all, I think the pressure I’m going to bring, the strength I’m going to bring, and the speed I’m going to bring will overwhelm him.”

Caldwell said he expects an exciting fight against Borics, and he envisions a memorable finish that will move him to the final four of the grand prix and one win away from competing for the $1 million prize.

“You’re going to see Adam Borics put on his head,” Caldwell said. “You’re going to see some bodies flying. You’re going to see a guy who’s true to my word. There’s no way I’m leaving the octagon without a win. … I will be ready to take Adam’s head off.”

Check out MMA Junkie’s full pre-fight interview with Darrion Caldwell in the video above.