Light heavyweight Sullivan Cauley made his professional debut at Bellator 253 Thursday night. It took him just 28 seconds to knock opponent Jason Markland the f*ck out! Why do we care, you ask? Well, this wasn’t your average undercard if you’re a fan of our magazine. Cauley is one of us. When he’s not in the gym, Cauley’s writing bad ass editorials for Skillset Magazine!

Skillset’s Sullivan Cauley Wins Bellator Debut

Those in the “know” saw SKILLSET branded across Cauley’s shorts in the octagon at the Bellator 253 prelims! Our only requirement for the fighter sponsorship was that he win. And he did, in impressive fashion.

After about 15 seconds of dancing, Cauley caught Markland with a quick right jab to the chin. The punch sent Markland to the mat. From there, Cauley switched to the ol’ “ground and pound” method. He threw bomb after bomb until the ref stepped in and called the fight … all 28 seconds of it.

Although new to Bellator, Sullivan Cauley was prepared for battle from his wrestling days at ASU and extensive training in Muay Thai at Dan’s Gym in Mesa, Ariz. He also trains with our good pal and Skillset cover alum, Ryan Bader.

“Ryan Bader comes from my hometown, which is Reno, Nev. So I’ve always looked up to him. Before I knew him, I looked up to him,” Cauley said after the fight. “… He’s been really good to me as a training partner and mentor.”

Having a fighting legend like Bader in your corner is definitely a good way to get it done. Congrats to Cauley and to the start of something beautiful in Bellator. Get to know more about MMA fighters like Bader and Cauley on our podcast, Skillset Live! You can also pick up a back issue of our magazine at OutdoorGroupStore.com!