Calvin Kattar will partake in one of the biggest fights of his career when he takes on Ricardo Lamas at UFC 238. When the 15th-ranked featherweight got the call to fight Lamas he was ecstatic. He understands just what a win would do for his career and is excited to show he is a top featherweight in the world.
“I was pumped, man. I’ve been trying to fight a bunch of big names for a while now,” Kattar said to BJPENN.com. “I’m ready to go out and show why I belong. I don’t want to be the 15th-ranked fighter without taking out a top-15 fighter. I want to earn that spot. A win over Lamas shows I belong in that spot and can compete with guys who can fight for the title. He previously fought Aldo, that is more exciting and appealing.”
With a win over Lamas, Kattar could potentially be ranked in the top-10 of the division. For him, that would be a surreal moment, but he wouldn’t stop there. Rather, the 31-year-old believes it would just be the start of his rise to the top of the division.
“I think it puts me with that short list of guys that beat him. They are all big name guys. I would like to think of myself in that category,” he said. “I want to be in the talks with the guys like Aldo, Max Holloway. He has fought a lot of big name guys and will be excited to fight in his hometown. For me, I have no pressure, I’m ready to be booed and gain some fans by the end of the night.”
Kattar feels no pressure because he is fighting in Chicago and taking on their hometown guy. He knows the fan support will not be behind him, but he is looking forward to that.
With no pressure on him, Calvin Kattar is ready to fight his fight. He believes if he comes forward and puts the pressure on Lamas, he’ll have a good night.
“They call him the bully, but I have never been bullied a day in my life. I’m going to give the fans what they want in an exciting fight,” Kattar explained. “He’s going to be at home, it amps you up, but it doesn’t make him untouchable.”
Calvin Kattar Wants Fight of the Night Bonus
The way Kattar wants this fight to go is simple. He wants it to be very similar to his scrap against Shane Burgos that won the Fight of the Night bonus.
“I always picture a fight like the Burgos one. Going in there and putting it all on the line,” Kattar explained. “I truly don’t give a f**k. I’m not going in there and protect my record, I’m going in there to fight.”
This will be the first fight on Kattar’s new contract. However, the 31-year-old doesn’t care about that. He just wants to fight, as that is what he loves to do.
“Don’t think I’m not just as hungry. All it means I’m getting paid a little more. With the re-negotiation, we are getting more on the show side so it has me excited to get that win side, too,” he said. “With a guy like Lamas, he is going to bring an exciting fight. It will be fireworks, there may be a bonus for us.”
In the end, if Kattar can beat Lamas he would probably be in the top-10 of the featherweight division. Once there, a path to a title shot becomes much more clear. However, he isn’t worried about that. He knows if he keeps on winning the UFC will have no choice but to give him the shot.
“I’ve never been in a rush to do anything like that. When it comes it comes. If I keep winning they can’t deny me,” Kattar concluded. “Taking this guy out is a step in the right direction.”
Who do you think will win the fight between Calvin Kattar and Ricardo Lamas at UFC 238?
This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 6/4/2019.