Bellator Summer series would come to an end with its final episode that is scheduled to take place today (Friday, August 17) at Sanford Pentagon in South Dakota. Since the bantamweight category lacked some competition, a non-title bout will be making the headliner of the show. Bantamweight champion Darrion Caldwell (12-1) will be taking on counterpart rival Noad Lahat (12-3) in a featherweight fight where both artists boast previous fight wins. Securing a victory in this brawl could seal a spot for the Wolf in featherweight title showdown.
Fight Background – Darrion Caldwell vs. Noad Lahat
Darrion Caldwell didn’t mark his presence on featherweight’s canvas for more than three years. However, his return and a subsequent win against Noad Lahat can secure a spot as a title contender to lock horns with reigning featherweight champion Patricio Freire.
It is quite intriguing to know that while Caldwell is all geared up to take on Freire’s spot, the reigning champion is looking to go down a division and bag the Wolf’s accolade.
However, for Caldwell to secure his title deal he first needs to trample upon Noad Lahat. Caldwell will be entering the octagon to face off the Israeli-born artist with a triple-fight winning streak. The Wolf’s last fight saw him successfully defend his belt against Leandro Higo by dispatching a first-round submission loss to him. Lahat, too enters the cage with a “W” marked on his last fight’s record as he managed a unanimous decision win over Jeremiah Labiano.
Prediction
Though the Wolf has remained away from the featherweight realm, he is quite aware of this division, as this is where the American artist developed from. While stepping up a category means added pressure from the upcoming fight, it could possibly open doors for title contention in featherweight category for the American artist.
So far the New Jersey native had an exceptional career thus far. He has looked unstoppable in his fights and comes with a promising record, putting on the weight of expectations on the bantamweight champ’s shoulders. His entire MMA record comes with a single “L”, which he was able to avenge in the very next fight. Though Caldwell could have gotten a fighter of his caliber to compete in the bantamweight category, the future bout comes as brighter prospect for an artist of his caliber. The American fighter certainly needs to settle his score with the featherweight division.
Ready to welcome him back into the featherweight cage is Noad Lahat. Known for his aggressive style, the 34-year-old Israeli fighter is the most-renowned fighter in all MMA promotions. Lahat would be taking on his counterpart rival after giving an awe-inspiring performance previous year against fellow fighter Jeremiah Labiano. Right now, the Israeli artist boasts a 3-1 record at Bellator’s featherweight category and is treading on the path to title contention.
Though Lahat has the explosiveness that could destroy Caldwell, he is at a disadvantage of lesser height and reach. Caldwell exhibits a striking power that can be the most frightening experience for any artist. In order to avoid disgrace at the hands of American artist, Lahat needs to prep up his striking power and should be prepared to evade lethal attacks.
RDX Prediction: Darrion Caldwell via UD.
