Kattar Training As Backup For UFC 273

UFC featherweight contender Calvin Kattar is just a few weeks removed from his unanimous decision victory over Giga Chikadze in the UFC Vegas 46 main event, but don’t expect “The Boston Finisher” to be taking any celebratory vacations.

That’s because Kattar wants to play backup for the UFC 273 pay-per-view (PPV) main event in April, when reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defends his 145-pound title opposite division “Zombie” Chan Sung Jung.

“In my head, I’m planning on the replacement,” Kattar told the Believe You Me podcast. “It’s not happening yet, but they said they’re gonna let me know as a replacement for Volkanovski and ‘Zombie,’ so staying ready for that. I’m waiting to get an okay from the UFC. If that’s the case, they’re gonna let me know in a certain timeframe. But once they do, if they let me know – and even if they don’t, in my head, it’s like try to chase that dog with a bone. If something happens, they’re gonna want me so keep my ass in the gym, stay ready. Just another reason to focus on it and get ready for something and have something to compete for.”

Jung stepped in to replace former featherweight champion Max Holloway, who suffered an untimely injury and was forced to withdraw. “The Korean Zombie” was last seen taking a unanimous decision victory over No. 9-ranked Dan Ige back in June.

As for Kattar, 33, he improved to 23-5 with his win over Chikadze. More importantly, “The Boston Finisher” helped erase the memories of his five-round shellacking at the hands of Holloway in early 2021, reestablishing himself as legitimate title contender in the process.

To see the rest of the UFC 273 fight card and PPV lineup click here.