CHICAGO – Sullivan Cauley is happy with a slow build to his career.
Cauley (4-0 MMA, 4-0 BMMA), a protege of Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader, has finished all four of his professional fights in the first round.
While Cauley’s performances have delivered, the 26-year-old unbeaten fighter is in no rush to get to the top.
“I’m just focused on staying busy right now,” Cauley told MMA Junkie at Wednesday’s media day for Bellator 288. “I’m on a development contract. I’m focused on developing a world-class skill set, and a big part of that is getting experience. I’m 4-0 and it’s all in Bellator, so it’s been under the spotlight, and I’ve been wasting guys, which is great – but I’m still only 4-0.
“So I don’t want to fight Corey Anderson when I’m 7-0. I want to get a couple more fights. I want to build up a resume. The skills are there. I can compete with the world-class guys in the practice room today. But doing it under the lights is a little different, and this is coming from my coaching staff. I fully believe in them. This is their plan. We’re going to get a few more fights, get some more experience and then we’re going to start climbing through that top 10.”
Cauley returns to action Friday at Bellator 288 when he takes on Jay Radick (3-0 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 288.
