Taking place later this month, on the aptly named Fight Island, Dan Ige will face Calvin Kattar in a featherweight bout.
Ige, currently on an absolute roll, has won six fights in a row, most recently over Mirsad Bektic and Edson Barboza. Believing that a win will take him one step further to the top of the featherweight category, Ige has laid it all out on the line.
“It’s literally right there. Everything is up for grabs. This whole sport is about timing. You see guys, Gilbert Burns for example – a guy that went on the fast track, fought anyone, anywhere, any time, short notice. That’s what it’s all about. It’s opportunities, stepping up, taking opportunities, taking risks, and that’s how you get ahead in this game. And he just beat the No. 1 contender, Tyron Woodley, and earned himself a title shot – and that’s what I’m looking to do.”
Weighing in on the upcoming title rematch between Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, Ige made it clear that he was gunning for a shot later this year.
“I know Volkanovski and Max are fighting four days before us, and so it will be a good timeframe. You got the other guys lined up probably later in the year, but you never know what will happen. In my mind, I’m expecting one or two more but I have one really tough guy to get past and that’s going to be a true test but once I get past him, I’m right there. I’m right within the reach of the title so I’m not gonna let it slip through my fingers.”
Kattar won’t just be sitting by though, winning three of his last four bouts, most recently delivering a spectacular elbow knockout over Jeremy Stephens at UFC 249. Each win has come as a result of a finish, so this upcoming bout is expected to produce an entertaining show.
On Kattar, Ige was respectful of his upcoming competitor but wasn’t willing to let his opportunity go to waste.
“The guy’s got some slick hands,” Ige said. “He’s a power puncher. He’s got a nice right hand, nice left hook, really good jab – but I’m prepared for everything. I’m prepared if he throws a spinning wheel kick. … You can’t underestimate anyone’s skills, and although we’ve only kind of seen his standup, his boxing and he has great cardio, he has a great gas tank – I’m expecting the best ever Calvin Kattar and I’m looking to test him in all areas.”
Kattar is ready, having never turned down a fight in his career. Although Ige is five spots below him in the rankings, he didn’t hesitate to accept.
“It’s irrelevant who’s on the other side of that contract,” Kattar explained. “I mean, I get it. It’s always better to fight up but I’m here to compete. I’m here to show I’m the best in the world, and you’ve got to be able to beat guys like Dan Ige if you want to make that claim.”
The winner of this bout is on a sure trip to the top of the category, with a title fight opportunity on the cards for the end of the year. Watch all the action live at the Official Home of UFC.
MAIN CARD
Featherweight Bout
Calvin Kattar vs Dan Ige
UNDER CARD
Bantamweight Bout
Pedro Munhoz vs Frankie Edgar
Women’s Strawweight Bout
Carla Esparza vs Marina Rodriguez
Welterweight Bout
Abdul Razak Alhassan vs Mounir Lazzes
Featherweight Bout
Jared Gordon vs Chris Fishgold