Calvin Kattar made a statement at UFC 238 with a big KO of Ricardo Lamas.
Calvin Kattar and Ricardo Lamas were both at an interesting point of their respective careers coming into UFC 238. Both featherweights have faced some of the toughest competition in the division, thus showing how highly the UFC feels about them. Kattar was defeated by Renato Moicano via unanimous decision, but quickly got back in the win column last October.
Lamas has faced some top names such as Josh Emmett and Mirsad Bektic. All three are top ten fighters in the division, with Emmett and Bektic set to square off later this year. Lamas also fell to those men, but got back into contention with a win over Darren Elkins. This fight could surely help either man secure another date with a top tier opponent.
Round one opens with the Chicago native Lamas coming forward. The first 30 or so seconds are controlled by feints from both men. Lamas attempts some leg kicks and lands. Kattar was noticeably bothered by leg kicks in the Moicano loss. Lamas attempts a takedown but comes up empty. Kattar begins to close the distance with Lamas against the fence. Kattar checks a leg kick and responds with a jab that stunned Lamas. Kattar is successfully touching up the body of Lamas against the fence. A beautiful left lands to the face of Lamas, followed by a vicious right hook which drops Lamas to the ground. A few shots land on the ground but they did not matter, Lamas was out!
LEFT! RIGHT! OUT!@CalvinKattar enjoy your moment! #UFC238 pic.twitter.com/4lovgsLr2s
— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2019
Calvin Kattar earns a huge victory. For the currently 15th ranked featherweight, it’s not only a move up in rankings, but the prestige of defeating a man five spots ahead of you.
In the post fight interview with Joe Rogan, Kattar opened with “Hey momma your sons on ESPN baby.” Kattar then spoke on losing his best friend last month, urging “anyone battling addiction, please get help, if not for yourself then for your loved ones, don’t make them feel this grief.”
Kattar is in an excellent position as he moves forward in the division stating everyone and anyone above him can and will get it.
Calvin Kattar def. Ricardo Lamas by TKO (punches), Round 1, 4:06
