The eagerly anticipated rematch between Kyoji Horiguchi and Darrion Caldwell will take place in New York. The two fighters will face off at Bellator 222 on June 22nd at Madison Square Garden.
Rizin president Nobuyuki Sakakibara confirmed the news today:
Words by Nobuyuki Sakakibara today.
He confirms Kyoji Horiguchi faces Darrion Caldwell for Bellator Bantaweight Title in June 14th.
Talks about exchange fighters and especulate Mikuru Asakura to be part of Bellator Featherweight GP.
Also, he interested in Jiri vs Nemkov 2. pic.twitter.com/lHfc8bZStm
— Bruno Massami (Бруно Массами) (@BrMassami) April 21, 2019
At Rizin 15 Horiguchi extended his winning streak to 12 by stopping fellow UFC veteran Ben Nguyen. Next up for the in form Japanese fighter will be a rematch with Caldwell.
The two fighters faced off at Rizin 14 last New Year’s Eve. Horiguchi submitted Caldwell to become the promotion’s inaugural bantamweight champion but there was a rematch clause in the contract.
That means Horiguchi is contractually obliged to fight Caldwell on a Bellator card, when the American’s title will presumably be on the line
It will be Horiguchi’s first fight outside of Japan since 2016. Meanwhile Caldwell, a former NCAA Division 1 champion, will have an opportunity to avenge the second loss of his career.
Bellator 222, New York, June 14th
Lyoto Machida vs. Chael Sonnen (Light Heavyweight)
Dillon Danis vs. Max Humphrey (Catchweight)
Darrion Caldwell (c) vs. Kyoji Horiguchi ( For Bantamweight Title)
