Calvin Kattar utilizing Bill Belichick mindset, Tony Ferguson-like workouts ahead of UFC 249

Day in and day out, international focus is largely on the coronavirus pandemic. When will it end? How will it end? What will it impact?

Unlike the masses, Calvin Kattar isn’t indulging in speculation. Instead, the Boston-based featherweight is focused on one thing: his April 18 fight at UFC 249.

Like other sporting events, it’s uncertain UFC 249 will take place as scheduled – although UFC president Dana White certainly seems confident he’ll make it happen

Having to make the most of the cards he’s been dealt, Kattar has adapted in an effort to overcome the obstacles. From running in the snow, to wheeling out a makeshift gym into his driveway, Kattar has made the most of what he has. His resourcefulness is making him feel like Tony Ferguson, he joked.

“There were definitely a lot of adjustments I had to make, but I’m definitely trying to stay focused,” Kattar recently told MMA Junkie. “Some doors are closing. I’m appreciative of the ones that are still open, and I’m trying to get the work in wherever I can. I joke around and say I’m doing Tony Ferguson (expletive), man. I’m doing Tony Ferguson workouts. I’m just trying to get it in however, wherever, whatever to keep that sweat going.”

Physical adjustments had to be made. However, mentally, Kattar has had to do the opposite – not change anything. Kattar (20-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) indicated he’d be cheating himself if he wasn’t focused on Stephens (28-17 MMA, 15-16 UFC).

Kattar said he’s blocking out all of the speculation on where it’s going to happen, or if there will be unforeseen changes. Kattar said he’s taken a page out of the playbook of another New England sports figure: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

“We’re just making sure we’re punching in, putting in the work, and the results will happen if you continuously put the work in every day,” Kattar said. “Instead of focusing on the (coronavirus), we have this Patriots/Bill Belichick mindset. I keep that mindset on a day-to-day basis. I’m onto that next session. I got one session done this morning. That was my main focus. I was fully present. I wasn’t thinking about the fight or how it happens. I’m just in the moment of each session, focusing on that training session. Then, it’s what I’m eating after. Then it’s the next session. I stay in the present and try not to get too caught up in what’s to come.”

As for the matchup with Stephens, Kattar is excited. Despite Stephens’ three-fight losing streak, Kattar doesn’t discredit his opponent’s abilities.

“I think we all know what to expect when it comes to him,” Kattar said. “He’s going to come out guns blazing – especially being 0-3 in his last three fights. They were all against top-level, top-10 talented opponents. That’s what happens when you’re fighting the best guys in the world. All the more reason why I feel like he’s going to come out and (try to) get this one done. It doesn’t take three (rounds) for me to have that feeling to come out and want to take you out. You’ve got two hungry fighters getting in there. I think it’s a great matchup.”

There aren’t many fighters standing between him and a title shot, Kattar said. A win over Stephens would throw him back in the conversation as one of the best of the best at 145 pounds.

“A win over Jeremy Stephens puts me right back in the mix of top contenders in the division,” Kattar said. “I’m not looking past Jeremy. I’ll obviously be taking care of business with Jeremy. I think that list is getting smaller and smaller.”