“In my head, I am the replacement,” Calvin Kattar to become the back-up for featherweight title fight at UFC 273


“In my head, I am the replacement,” Calvin Kattar to become the back-up for featherweight title fight at UFC 273

Calvin Kattar- Alexander Volkanovski

UFC Featherweight Calvin Kattar might have the most spectacular comeback story from a year layoff in UFC History. After he was dominated by former UFC Featherweight champion Max Holloway back in January 2021, Kattar took time in his recovery and training and returned against the up and coming MMA title prospect, the very dangerous Giga Chikadze last month. Fair to say, Kattar dominated and battered Chikadze just like he was on the receiving end of the same damage from Holoway a year ago.

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Calvin Kattar vs Giga Chikadze
Calvin Kattar vs Giga Chikadze

Now, Kattar might’ve put himself in a secured position for a title fight sooner to later. But it was not so long ago when the featherweight division was making the most noise when the current UFC Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski was left without an opponent after Max Holloway was pulled out of the fight due to an injury. People from right and left were calling out Volkanovski until it was finally pinned down and the fight was official against one name, Chan Sung Jung aka The Korean Zombie.

Alexander Volkanovski- Chan Sung Jung
Alexander Volkanovski- Chan Sung Jung

Now, Volkanovski and Jung are facing each other, so far as, the main event of UFC 273 which is unassured to be held in Brooklyn, New York. The co-main event includes a bantamweight title fight rematch between undisputed champion Aljamain Sterling and interim champion Petr Yan.

Calvin Kattar told UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping about being the back-up for UFC 273 title fight

Calvin Kattar
Calvin Kattar

“In my head, I’m planning on the replacement, Kattar told the Believe You Me podcast host and UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping. “It’s not happening yet, but they said they’re gonna let me know as a replacement for Volkanovski and ‘Zombie,’ so staying ready for that. I’m waiting to get an okay from the UFC. If that’s the case, they’re gonna let me know in a certain timeframe. But once they do, if they let me know…

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And even if they don’t, in my head, it’s like try to chase that dog with a bone. If something happens, they’re gonna want me to keep my ass in the gym, stay ready. Just another reason to focus on it and get ready for something and have something to compete for,” concluded Kattar. [h/t MMA Mania]

What do you make of Kattar’s will to be the backup fighter for UFC 273’s featherweight title fight between Volkanovski and Jung? Do you think backup fighters are the true saviours of the fight business? Do you remember when a backup fighter or a late replacement won the world title?

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