David ‘Caveman’ Rickels returned to action at Bellator 189 on Friday. With his came his unique brand of entertainment, the Caveman persona was on full display. The fight took place at a catchweight of 160lbs, as Rickels was stepping in on short notice against the dangerous Piccolotti.
The bout was part of the main card action at Bellator 189, which took place at the WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, OK.
Piccolotti entered the affair coming off the first loss of his professional career, having fallen to Goiti Yamauchi at Bellator 183 earlier this year. Rickels, meanwhile, was coming off a win over Aaron Derrow at Bellator 171.
A three round battle unfolded at Bellator 189 between Piccolotti and Rickels. Early, an inside low kick by Piccolotti found a home; Rickels answred back with a big right to the jaw. Next, Piccolotti worked for the takedown, but David Dickels stayed up. The key to the fight was whether Piccolotti could get the fight to the ground and control it there, something that was a constant concern.
Piccolotti would look for a takedown early in the second, but Caveman would continue to show good defense. He would continue to press the action. Rickels was able to find a home for both his jab and his right hand, however Piccolotti continued circling out of harm’s way. Rickels would change stances, and continue to move forward. The pair exchanged knees near the halfway point, and Rickels would land a short hook. In a clinch, however, Piccolotti would score a takedown, and posture up inside Rickel’s guard.
Between rounds, the doctor would check on Piccolotti, who was showing some damage to the right eye. However early in the third he again got the fight down, not where Rickels wanted it. Piccolotti would posture up, and manage to keep Caveman on his back for the next minute or so. Once the pair were back up, Rickels looked to light up his opponent as he had earlier in the night, but Piccolotti went back to his wrestling. Dumping Caveman on his back, Piccolotti was briefly in danger of a triangle or arm-bar, but soon regained control. Caveman, however, stayed active on his back, and it was enough to sway the judges!
David Rickels def. Adam Piccolotti by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
