Calvin Kattar had a rough 2021 in the UFC as he started off the year with a tough loss to Max Holloway. The fight was being broadcast on ABC and Holloway found his groove early. Now he looks to bounce back in 2022 with a big fight against Giga Chikadze.

Calvin Kattar recently spoke to DAZN about the UFC fight against Max Holloway and what he learned from it. It was a tough experience but one that he is going to learn from.

“Any time you get a chance to step in there with one of the GOATs of the division, you’re definitely going to pick some things up,” Kattar told DAZN.

“Being in there with that caliber of a fighter, feeling that caliber … Top 5 is different than everybody else in the division. You got contenders working their way up but feeling that level only helps you prepare for the next one and that level of guys.

“We’ll see if Giga is on that level,” he continued.

“We have the opportunity to make things right.”

The UFC fighter from Masachussetes has learned from the loss and plans to use the lessons heading into the Giga Chikadze fight. It's all about hitting your opponent and not getting hit back.

“Straight fight IQ,” he says succinctly.

“I know I got (toughness) to rely on. I know I got that in the back pocket but I don’t want that to become Plan A.

“This game, it’s important to try to hit and not get hit,” he adds.

Calvin Kattar takes on Giga Chikadze in the main event of UFC Vegas 46 on January 15, The winner could very well find themselves getting a title shot very quickly.