Debut finish at Bellator 253 was ‘a dream come true’ for Ryan Bader protege Sullivan Cauley

MMA News
Debut finish at Bellator 253 was ‘a dream come true’ for Ryan Bader protege Sullivan Cauley

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Sullivan Cauley got his professional career off to a winning start when he kicked off the fight card at Bellator 253 with a first-round finish.

Cauley (1-0 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) defeated Jason Markland (0-2 MMA, 0-2 BMMA) by TKO when he dropped him with a big right hand, then followed up with some heavy-duty ground and pound to secure the win in just 28 seconds at Mohegan Sun Arena.

After the fight, Cauley chatted with reporters, including MMA Junkie, backstage as he recapped his victorious debut under the bright lights of Bellator’s “Fightsphere,” and revealed the influence of Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader on his early MMA career.

Check out the full post-fight interview in the video above.

Bellator 253 took place Thursday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card aired on CBS Sports Network/DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.

Debut finish at Bellator 253 was ‘a dream come true’ for Ryan Bader protege Sullivan Cauley