Calvin Kattar is ready to make his first walk to the Octagon since October 2022.
‘The Boston Finisher’ makes his triumphant return as a part of the promotion’s massive UFC 300 card this Saturday night (April 13) for a showdown with former bantamweight world champion Aljamain Sterling. Speaking with Mike Owens in a MiddleEasy exclusive interview, Kattar shared his excitement not only over his long-awaited comeback but for the opportunity to do so at the biggest event in UFC history.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say it’s gonna be great to be on UFC 300, but I was already really excited for this one regardless after such a long layoff,” Kattar said. “I’m really grateful for having another opportunity to go out and compete and what better way to do it than on a historic card like UFC 300.”
Just a few short seconds into the second round of his Fight Night headliner with Arnold Allen, Kattar went down after suffering a torn ACL. Kattar had surgery a few weeks later, and it’s been a grind to get back ever since.
“It’s a weird thing to say you miss it because, obviously, it’s an uncomfortable grind getting here, but when you’re here, you enjoy the moment and it’s good to be around the team and this atmosphere, getting ready to take on a big challenge against a high-level competitor on the biggest stage,” Kattar said. “It’s exciting, but the pressure is never off until the fight is done. We’re kind of just in that waiting point before the fight and I’m excited to go out and get it done.”
Kattar will face an incredibly tough test in his return. Aljamain Sterling is, of course, a former 135-pound champion, but in the eyes of many, he is the greatest bantamweight fighter the world has ever seen.
However, ‘The Boston Finisher’ doesn’t necessarily feel that way.
“[He’s] arguably the greatest bantamweight of all time. That’s really not my opinion, but that’s neither here nor there. He’s a high-level competitor. He’s a former champ going up a division. There will be a lot of eyes on this one so I’m excited for the opportunity to go out, compete, and keep my stock at an all-time high. You only get these big moment opportunities when you fight top-level competition and I’m fortunate enough to have a quality opponent like him.”
He added, “I never really concern myself much with the opponent as opposed to just being the best version of myself every time I step in there, no matter who it’s against.”
Calvin Kattar Reacts to Aljamain Sterling’s Bold Prediction
Earlier this year, Sterling shared a prediction for his featherweight debut, suggesting that he could have Kattar tapping out within the first two rounds. Kattar doesn’t particularly care about anything Sterling has to say but believes the ex-champ is backing himself into a corner by talking such a big name.
“People send me this sh*t,” Kattar added. “I don’t go out and search for it, but I don’t really have much to say. I have a lot to do on fight night. As far as I’m concerned, I feel like he’s backing himself in a corner with the things he’s saying, and by his standards, he’s gonna have a lot to show for it.”
Kattar has struggled to find the win column in his last few outings, going 1-3 in his last four — though his losses have come against some seriously tough talent, including Max Holloway, Josh Emmett, and the aforementioned Arnold Allen. But he tries not to dwell on that. Instead, he believes that people are more interested in what you do with the next opportunity than how you performed in your last one.
“Nobody gives a sh*t about what happened,” Kattar said. “It’s about what you’re going to do with the moment ahead of you and that’s where my focus is at. My focus is just on getting a W.”
Going into the bout, Calvin Kattar is listed as a +136 underdog, meaning you would have to bet $136 to win $100. Considering Sterling’s bantamweight GOAT status and Kattar’s struggles over the last few years, it’s not all that surprising, but Kattar couldn’t possibly care less about what the oddsmakers are saying.
“I don’t give a f*ck about the betting odds, but good for everybody betting,” he concluded. I hope I spoil your parlays if you bet against me and I hope to win a lot of money for the people supporting me.”
Watch the full exclusive interview below:
