Despite being booked for a third time, Calvin Kattar doesn’t think his matchup against Jeremy Stephens is cursed.
One of a dozen targeted matchups for the UFC’s May 9 return, Kattar (20-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) vs. Stephens (28-17 MMA, 15-16 UFC) was originally scheduled to take place March 7 at UFC 248. However, due to an injury with Stephens, the fight was moved to UFC 249 on April 18. That event was eventually canceled due to restrictions stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.
“I think it’s just unfortunate circumstances at this point,” Kattar told MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “Once we start getting to Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib (Nurmagomedov) numbers, if I have a guy like that that’s evading me and it can’t happen, maybe I’ll take the hint. Right now though, the fight’s on.”
In Kattar’s mind, nothing has changed besides the date. The game plan and preparation has remained the same. He’s still training on a consistent basis and said he has made the adjustments to prevent “peaking” too soon. The “New England Cartel” headman voiced his readiness to compete – especially if the card happens on “Fight Island.”
“We’re still having the same plan, just a different date,” Kattar said. “As far as location is concerned, ‘Fight Island’ sounds dope. I think everybody wants it. We can go fight and quarantine at that location. I might quarantine on the island for a couple weeks. I might not come back.
“… That’s what I was most disappointed about with this last (cancellation). I felt like it was a shot at history. I think there will be bigger moments like this, but we were the only show in town. It would’ve been fun to have the whole world watching.
UFC 249 is being targeted for May 9 at an undisclosed location. No viewing information is known at this time.
Check out MMA Junkie’s interview with Calvin Kattar in the video above.
Note: MMA Junkie’s interview with Calvin Kattar was conducted prior to Tuesday night’s announcement that Kattar vs. Stephens is expected to be rebooked for UFC 249 on May 9.
Ahead of third booking, Calvin Kattar not ready to deem Jeremy Stephens matchup 'cursed'
