It would be understandable if Caldwell were solely focused on defeating Kyoji Horiguchi at Bellator 222. With a win, “The Wolf” would avenge his most recent loss, claim a victory over the Rizin Fighting Federation bantamweight champion, and log the second defense of his own 135-pound Bellator belt.
But given how long it’s taken Caldwell to get to the top, he’s eager to make the most of his time while there, and that means acknowledging that his business with Horiguchi might extend beyond this week even if Caldwell has his hand raised on Friday.