MONCTON, NB - OCTOBER 26: Calvin Kattar poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night weigh-in at Delta Hotels by Marriott Beausejour on October 26, 2018 in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Calvin Kattar’s claim for gold strengthening
The ‘Boston Finisher’ is a top contender, and his title shot could be around the corner.
Calvin Kattar is one of the most exciting featherweights on the planet. Considered one of the purest boxers in the promotion, Kattar has all sorts of weapons in his arsenal. Jeremy Stephens was on the wrong end of a vicious Kattar elbow at UFC 249. Currently sitting at number six in the stacked featherweight division, Kattar takes on underdog Dan Ige this Wednesday (July 15th) on Fight Island.
Activity, one of the most important cases for a title shot at times. This is Kattar’s second fight during the Covid-19 pandemic, second fight in only a few months. The featherweight division is one of the most elite divisions in the promotion. Champion Alexander Volkanovski just defeated Max Holloway in a controversial split decision. The third ranked featherweight, Brian Ortega, has yet to fight since a loss to Holloway back in 2018. Chan Sung Jung (TKZ) has yet to fight in 2020 after defeating now bantamweight Frankie Edgar via TKO. Yair Rodriguez had a fight of the year contender win over TKZ with a flashy KO at the last second, but in his fight with Jeremy Stephens, was unable to finish the man Kattar just KO’d in the second round. It is clear Kattar is taking advantage of the lack of activity in the top five.
Sitting at number two in the division is Zabit Magomedsharipov. His last win? Calvin Kattar. The main event was only three rounds, and had it been five rounds many think the victor may have been different. In an interviw with MyMMANews, Kattar’s manager Tyson Chartier, stated that they’d love a five rounder with Zabit but he’s not holding his breath. “Zabit has smart people around him, I don’t think they are signing up for that fight.” Kattar finished the third round landing at will on the Russian star, who looked very fatigued. Chartier also welcomed a bout with former champ Max Holloway as a top contender fight. Zabit has not fought since this win in November of 2019.
It is clear, Kattar and his team are not overlooking #11 ranked Dan Ige, who is currently a winner of 6 straight. The Massachusetts native did not hesitate to sign this contract, and stay as active as possible in the eyes of president Dana White. The UFC president was recently on record praising welterweight Gilbert Burns, who lost his title chance due to a positive covid test, for his activity during all of this. While the featherweight division does have stars in the top five, none have the claim as the legitimate #1 contender as of now. With another spectacular finish victory, Kattar hopes to put his name in contention for the next shot, and it absolutely should be in the conversation. Activity is important to the UFC, finishes are important, fanbases are important. Kattar has all of that. First up though, get through Dan Ige, then make your claim for Gold.
