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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 17: UFC president Dana White interacts with media during the UFC Fight Night press conference at UFC APEX on September 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 17: UFC president Dana White interacts with media during the UFC Fight Night press conference at UFC APEX on September 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Max Holloway demolished Calvin Kattar for 5-rounds as the pair locked horns on the first UFC card of 2021. The former featherweight champion put on a striking clinic on Kattar for 5-rounds. The Hawaiian went on to win a lopsided unanimous decision against his Boston counterpart.
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There were times in the fight when Kattar seemed almost out on his feet and the fight could very well have been stopped. UFC President Dana White revealed he was anxious at times about Kattar’s life and thought the featherweight might die. This is not exaggerated by any means.
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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 02: Max Holloway signals to the crowd as he enters the Octagon prior to facing Jose Aldo of Brazil in their UFC featherweight championship bout during the UFC 218 event inside Little Caesars Arena on December 02, 2017, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
“He took so much f*cking punishment in this fight, I’m freaking out a little bit, man. I don’t know. I don’t like it. This reminds me of the kind of fight where the fight’s over, and he walks out back and f*cking dies.
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“I think that f*cking Herb Dean should’ve stopped it before the (fifth) round. He was wobbling all over the f*cking place,” said White.
Statistically, Kattar was on the wrong end of a historic beatdown as Holloway broke records in terms of signature strikes attempted and landed. He landed a massive 445 strikes on Kattar.
In the 4th round, he stacked Kattar up against the fence and landed a barrage of strikes on him. The fight could very well have been stopped there considering the amount of punishment Kattar took in the previous rounds.
What’s next for Calvin Kattar?
Despite the brutal loss, Kattar remains one of the finest fighters in the world. He has superior boxing skills and has the power to turn the lights out on any opponent.
Coming into the fight against Holloway, Kattar was ranked No.6. He will face some elite competition in his next outing for sure.
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BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 20: Calvin Kattar celebrates his win by TKO against Shane Burgos in their Featherweight fight during UFC 220 at TD Garden on January 20, 2018, in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
A loss against a former champion and legend like Holloway didn’t drop Kattar’s stock a bit. Rather, he gained plaudits for the durability and toughness he displayed, withstanding the kind of punishment that was dished out by the ‘Blessed’ one.
With a couple of impressive performances, he can certainly put himself back into title contention yet again. Who should Kattar fight next? Should his fight against Holloway have been stopped earlier? Let us know.
