In the Clinch: Streaking Allen Meets Consistent Kattar, UFC Vegas 63 – When was the last time UFC featherweight Arnold Allen lost fight?
You’d have to wind your clocks back to June 2014, when Allen (18-1-0), 28, dropped a unanimous decision. Riding a 11-fight win streak, including nine straight in the octagon, Allen at No.6 can enter the top 5 with a win over No.5 Calvin Kattar (23-6-0) Sunday.
By the way, who was the UFC featherweight champion in June 2014?
At any rate, it’s not going to be easy.
Kattar has been close when it comes to title shots. He lost a title shot eliminator bout to former champion Max Holloway in January 2021, who eventually went on to fight current champion Alexander Volkanovski unsuccessfully for the belt in July.
Kattar did turn back prospect Giga Chikadze in January, before losing a close split-decision to Josh Emmett in June.
This will be Kattar’s third fight this year. Known for his durability and volume, he’s comfortable in the main event and five round fights and has been following the rise of Allen. Speaking to reporters in the UFC Vegas 63 media day, he said that he is ready for a five-round fight and will do “whatever it takes” to win.
Allen probably has the shorter path to the title shot if he can get past Kattar with a big win. He acknowledged at media day the toughness and experience of Kattar, while confidently expressing his ability to get it done.
The amazing comeback welterweight title fight victory by colleague Leon Edwards inspires Allen and likely many other U.K. fighters.
On paper, I’d have to say the younger Allen has the technical striking advantage, but Kattar is the physically bigger fighter with more power and experience.
It should be another great featherweight division battle. Let’s go!
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Arnold Allen
Calvin Kattar
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Arnold Allen
Calvin Kattar
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