Bellator bantamweight champion Darrion Caldwell only needed to fight once in 2017 to cement himself as Bellator’s best at 135 pounds.

The former North Carolina State wrestler fought Eduardo Dantas at Bellator 184 in October, beating the former champion via dominant unanimous decision. 

In his first title defense, Caldwell meets Leandro Higo this Friday at Bellator 195 in Thackerville, Oklahama, in a fight that will determine whether Caldwell truly is the “top dog." 

“I let my coaches do the thinking on [the matchup],” Caldwell said. “If I execute my game plan, it's going to be a bad night for this guy. It’s just like with every other 135-pounder. I match up very well with everyone. I don't see any opponent that I can't beat.”

The fight against Dantas couldn’t have gone better for Caldwell, who values the mental side of the game.

“Everything went right. We executed the game plan perfectly,” Caldwell told FloCombat. “This sport is about mindset. I was with a mindset program. They spoke about fighters' and wrestlers' mindset and the ability to overcome negativity. I've been focused on having that positive mindset. That's pretty much it — you have to have the right mindset and execute the game plan when it comes time. 

"That's basically the recipe for a world championship.”

At the end of the fight, Bellator MMA President Scott Coker wrapped the belt around Caldwell's waist, ushering in a new era at 135. It was a moment the young fighter had pictured over and over again in his head.

“For Scott Coker to wrap that belt around my waist... it was an amazing feeling," Caldwell said. "I knew the time had come. You put the work in and you get rewarded.”

For the new champion, the belt was only the beginning. The hard work didn’t stop once the goal was met.

“Not much has changed other than the notoriety,” Caldwell said. “I'm still getting up and going to practice. The goal is always to be a better version of yourself. My job is to go out there and put on a better performance and be a better fighter than I was going into practice.”

Although Caldwell doesn’t study his opponents, he did watch Higo’s last fight, a decision victory over Joe Taimanglo at Bellator 184. 

Caldwell wasn’t impressed.

“I think he did what he was supposed to do to get the victory,’ Caldwell said. “I think it looked like every other one of his fights. He's a scrappy guy, he's tough, and he comes forward. I don't think he poses any threats to me. It's going to be an early night for him come Friday.”

Caldwell’s final prediction for his first title defense is chilling.

“I see Leandro Higo being stiff as a board,” he said.

By Lucas Grandsire