Darrion Caldwell got to know Shawn Bunch well at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The two high-level wrestlers hung out with each other regularly. They were both on a trip to Azerbaijan for a tournament a few years ago and spent time with one another then, too.
Caldwell considers Bunch a friend. At least, he did a few months ago and will again next week.
The two men will fight each other at Bellator 143 on Friday night in Hidalgo, Texas. It wasn't a bout that Caldwell really wanted, but he said Bunch accepted it first and he followed suit.