UFC Fight Night “Holloway vs. Kattar” is only days away now. As the first UFC event to air on ABC, the event is expected to bring in new fans to the sport. The casual viewer will be welcomed with a competitive match-up between former UFC featherweight champion Max “Blessed” Holloway (21-6) and up-and-comer, Calvin Kattar (22-4). Following a controversial title loss, the former champ is set to fight another technical brawler with power. With an excellent showing from either headliner, we can expect them to fight the winner of Volkanovski vs. Ortega.
Max Holloway’s Path to Victory
Holloway’s reign at the top was dominant in his three title defenses. Max kicked off his dominance, removing the previous champ Jose Aldo via violent TKO. Twice. Then dismantling the formerly undefeated Brian Ortega. Then the former lightweight champ Frankie Edgar. In all Holloway’s victories, what gave Holloway the edge was his crisp fundamental kickboxing. His wiry frame gave the former champ a reach advantage that he used perfectly to pick apart his opponents. The question is if he can do that against an aggressive power puncher like Kattar. The champ will have the advantage in experience, especially in the spotlight. Expect Holloway to keep the fight at distance and damage the legs of Kattar, while battering with his laser fast jab.
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Calvin Kattar’s Path to Victory
Kattar is no stranger to brawls. Like his opponent, he is known to trade in the pocket and not back down. He may not have the experience, but he will have the power advantage against Holloway. Should Holloway play too long in close combat, Kattar will land some looping hooks or uppercuts. Kattar may have taken longer to get to the UFC tier, however he’s proven his skillset against some of the divisions best. Kattar’s only real flaw is he’s not working for points, he’s working to put your lights out. That tactic may not bode well against someone as durable as Holloway. Kattar would do well to mix in his grappling threats to get in close and land his heavy shots. The longer the consecutive exchanges, the more the victory tilts in his favor.
Prediction for Holloway vs. Kattar
Max Holloway via split-decision. The UFC is featuring these two on their first ABC broadcast for one reason. They are durable, violent and will not fail to entertain. As mentioned earlier, Kattar is not good in decisions. And though he does have excellent cardio, he doesn’t have the experience in the championship rounds that Holloway does. The fifth round will be key, and as long as Holloway has mentally reset from his back-to-back losses to the champ, he should take the decision.