World News – AU – Bellator 253: Caldwell vs McKee, Featherweight Championship Preview

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Bellator continues its run of very interesting and compatible events this week, bringing the busy featherweight championship closer to the end.

So, we have Dareon Caldwell (14-3) meeting up with A.. J. McKee (16-0), made a Dynamite match. After a decision in the first round against Henry Corrales, Caldwell made a statement in his follow-up against Adam Burix with a naked back choke..

Macy was the most amazing local talent the Bellator brought and developed. He faced increasingly difficult confrontations but outdid many of them. California native Georgi Karakhanian sent in in September of last year and followed him with an impressive victory over veteran Derek Campos.. . His offensive and cool gameplay would be a threat, but would he have enough to work against Caldwell’s excellent wrestling lineage and powerful hitting? Caldwell may have a speed defect, which he can compensate for by force and control on the ground.

The joint main event tribute goes to former UFC Champion Benson Henderson (28-9), with a quick turnaround after his last knockout loss to Michael Chandler in August. . Sanford MMA Club will face Jason Jackson (12-4), currently defeating Kaishi Kunimoto and Jordan Min. Jackson’s kicking and advanced pressure boxing should pose some challenges, but he’ll also have to contend with Benson’s use of open space, clever wrestling, and incredible game..

Joey Davis (7-0) is another great wrestling opportunity that Bellator sponsored with great results.. Still a developing prospect (and training partner AJ McKee) has no shortage of edgy finishes nor is he relying exclusively on his wrestling at all.. But he will put those weapons in his back pocket if needed.

He’ll need to make sure he can defend himself, as he faces ex-LFA talent Bobby Lee (12-4). Two of his losses came by surrender, but his offensive wrestling is so intact that most of his victories have been through submission as well.. . His wrestling game is sneaky, and he can take a punch. His heart is also well tolerated, and it should have been a very convincing match against Davis.

Former UFC and PFL fighter Jeremy Kennedy (15-2) strives to represent Canada aggressively again when he meets New England superstar Matt Bessette (24-9). Bessette returns to the Bellator Fold for the first time since 2016, after another stint spent in his old land at CES and a cup of coffee at the UFC (including the Ultimate Fighter and Contender Series). Although Bessette is not always high-ranking by hitting and sometimes if he has a defense, he is a threat in both strikes and the ground.. Kennedy’s control of the land is bread and butter, and his superb and subtle production makes his style very judge-friendly. Kennedy’s only losses were to Brazilian Phenomenon Luis Lorentino and current UFC Champion Alex Volkanowski, so here are some really good losses to make to your record.. This is another great pairing.

Keith Lee (7-3), brother of Kevin Lee from UFC, will be on this card with jewel Roufusport Raufeon Stots (14-1). Lee is also still developing as a potential with his wrestling and beating, gaining more confidence and ring time leading to four straight wins.. Stots has six successive victories, including one over Wildman Cass Bell. It’s a tough test for Lee, but it can’t be the easy showing of Stots some might think at first glance.

Finally, New Zealand importer Jay Jay Wilson (6-0) meets Sergio Debary (5-1), while Kevin Ferguson Jr.. . (AKA Baby Slice, 3-2) faces striker Kaem Murray (3-3). Former LFA fighters face off in Bellator’s cage as Mark Lemminger (11-2) meets Jaleel Willis (13-2).

Bellator 253: Caldwell vs McKee starts at 5:30 PM EST with introductions on DAZN and Bellator YouTube channel, then main card starts at 7:00 PM EST on CBS Sports.

Bellator MMA, Mixed Martial Arts, Prof.. J. Mackie, Darion Caldwell