RAF03 Opener: Darrion Caldwell vs. Bo Bassett

It’s veteran craft vs. teenage energy in the opening bout of RAF03, as Darrion Caldwell makes his second RAF appearance against high school phenom Bo Bassett in a can’t-look-away featherweight matchup at 145 pounds.

One’s been a champion in two sports. The other’s not even in college yet—and already carries the energy of a main event.

They’ll lead the night. They might steal it too.

Darrion Caldwell: Still Dangerous

If you remember the Metcalf match, you remember Darrion Caldwell.

He’s the kind of athlete that makes even elite opponents look like they’re stuck in the mud. An NCAA champion known for acrobatic shots, misdirection counters and a highlight-reel style that carried him all the way to the top of Bellator MMA.

Now he’s back in a singlet—older, wiser and still one of the most naturally gifted movers to ever touch a mat.

But the question isn’t talent. It’s tank. How long can Caldwell hold off the flood if Bassett pushes pace?

Bo Bassett: Full Speed, No Brakes

There’s no easing into a match with Bo Bassett.

He’s already a Cadet World Champion, already one of the most talked-about athletes in American wrestling—and he’s still in high school. Bassett brings a volume game that forces every opponent into bad positions and he keeps it up for six straight minutes.

Hand-fighting, level changes, fakes and constant pressure—Bassett never turns it off.

This is his RAF debut, but the moment won’t be too big. He’s been training with senior-level hammers for years. And he’s not here to dip a toe in. He’s here to take out a name.

What to Watch For

• Bo’s pace: Can Caldwell manage the tempo early, or will Bassett’s volume pull the match into deep water?
• Darrion’s creativity: He doesn’t shoot the same way twice. If he gets a clean look, don’t blink.
• Late-match lungs: Caldwell’s skill isn’t in question. His gas tank might be.
  
  

Stream It Live

RAF03 kicks off with Bassett vs. Caldwell—stream it live November 29 on FOX Nation.