World Series of Fighting 4 Preview

Lightweights

Nick Newell (9-0, 0-0 WSOF) vs. Keon Caldwell (9-1,0-0 WSOF)

The Matchup: Newell’s story is remarkable. A congenital amputee born without most of his left arm below the elbow, he has yet to be defeated in professional mixed martial arts competition. The former collegiate wrestler made his mark with the Florida-based Xtreme Fighting Championships promotion, where he captured the vacant lightweight title with a first-round submission of Bellator MMA veteran Eric Reynolds in December; and for whatever it is worth, Newell made shorter work of Reynolds than Eddie Alvarez or Jorge Masvidal did while in Bellator.

Thus far, Newell has been able to overcome his perceived disadvantage, imposing his will quickly and finishing all but one of his opponents inside of a round. The American Top Team-based fighter takes an aggressive approach from his southpaw stance, and he has also shown an ability to land damaging knees in close quarters. “Notorious” is at his best once he can force his opponent into his world. To set up his finish of Reynolds, Newell executed a beautiful belly-to-back suplex and then moved to his foe’s back to deftly secure a fight-ending rear-naked choke, his third such victory by that maneuver. In grappling exchanges, it even appears that Newell’s shorter limb makes it difficult for foes to establish hand control while he is hunting for chokes.

Caldwell, meanwhile, is probably best known for an abbreviated stint on Season 13 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” where the Georgia native exited the show early in order to be with his daughter, who was hospitalized with an illness. “The Black Assassin” has not fought in more than two years, but at 23 years old, he is still young enough to have plenty of room for growth. Caldwell has finished all nine of his victories, including eight by knockout. A former welterweight, the Team Reality representative is the taller and larger fighter, but he will have to sprawl successfully if he is to seriously test Newell’s striking defense.

The Pick: Newell does not waste time in the cage, so Caldwell will not have much of an opportunity to shake off any ring rust from his layoff. Newell wins by first-round submission.

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