Calvin Kattar is set to take on a tough kickboxer in Giga Chikadze in the main event of UFC Vegas 46 on Saturday. The fight could help determine who gets the next title shot at featherweight.
Calvin Kattar is very respectful towards his opponent but believes he's on another level. The UFC featherweights match up well with each other.
“I was just aware of (him), obviously,” Kattar told reporters including MMA Junkie at a UFC on ESPN 32 pre-fight news conference Wednesday. “Anybody who can go 7-0 in the UFC, they’re doing something right. He’s found a way to win but I just feel like I’m a different caliber opponent than he’s faced. I feel like I’ve got the tools to beat him.”
On a basic level, the UFC Vegas 46 main event looks like a boxer vs kickboxer matchup. Calvin Kattar was quick to remind people that this is MMA.
“Man, when I fall, I fall forward,” the UFC featherweight said. “I fall into another main event. I don’t really like to reference it that much, but I mean (Brian) Ortega coming off the loss to Max, bounced back off a big W. He fought for the title. In MMA, this happens. This isn’t boxing. Sh*t happens. You get back on the horse. The only way to get over something like this is to get your hand raised (and) get a W. It’s like getting over a girl. Go get your hand raised, man. It’s the only way to get over it. Go out and get another rep.”
UFC Vegas 46 takes place on Saturday with Calvin Kattar taking on Giga Chikadze in the main event. The winner could very well find themselves next in line for a title shot.