'Bellator 222 Countdown,' No. 1: Darrion Caldwell tells the casuals to wise up

The Bellator cage returns to New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden on June 14 for Bellator 222, with one fighter in particular looking to make a big statement in the Big Apple.

Bellator and DAZN have teamed up to produce a special “Countdown” series ahead of the event, with Bellator’s bantamweight champion Darrion Caldwell, taking center stage in Episode 1 of their multi-part series.

Caldwell’s last bout saw him travel to Japan to challenge for the vacant Rizin bantamweight title, but lost out to Kyoji Horiguchi via third-round rear-naked choke on New Year’s Eve, 2018.

Now Caldwell (13-2 MMA, 10-1 BMMA) is looking to turn back the challenge of Horiguchi (27-2 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) in a champion-versus-champion rematch at Bellator 222, as the Japanese ace arrives at The Garden looking to walk away a two-promotion champion.

“The Wolf” has other ideas, however, as he plans on avenging his Rizin defeat to Horiguchi and building his own name in the process. But, as he says in this episode, the sport’s real fans know exactly who he is already.

“If you claim to be a fan and you don’t know Darrion Caldwell, you’re not a real fan. You’re just a watcher.”

The night’s main event will form one semi-final of the Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix tournament, as reigning welterweight champion Rory MacDonald faces undefeated Brazilian Neiman Gracie with a place in the final – and the Bellator welterweight title – up for grabs.

The co-main attraction, meanwhile, will feature a battle of renowned MMA veterans, as former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida taking on Chael Sonnen.

For more on Bellator 222, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.