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Kattar makes his case for UFC title shot as Volkanovski watches on

Calvin Kattar is ready and willing to fight UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski after making a statement with his win over Dan Ige.

By Rob Lancaster
Clavin Kattar and Dan Ige in action at UFC on ESPN 13

Abu Dhabi, July 16: Calvin Kattar is ready and willing to fight featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski after making a statement to the rest of the division with his win over Dan Ige.

Kattar triumphed by unanimous decision on the scorecards in the main event of Wednesday's UFC Fight Night card, staged on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, before quickly turning his focus to the man in possession of the title.

The 32-year-old's latest success comes just over two months after beating Jeremy Stephens by TKO at UFC 249 in a catchweight contest, putting him firmly in the picture in a stacked group at the 145-pound weight limit.

"If I make my case, I don't do it with my mouth I do it in the cage," American fighter Kattar told the media in his post-fight news conference.

"All these other guys, they are all talk. Where I'm from, we don't really talk about stuff too much, you go out there and earn it, prove it.

UFC on ESPN 13 results: Kattar dominates Ige for unanimous decisionUFC on ESPN 13 results: Kattar dominates Ige for unanimous decision

"Here [in UFC] that's not really the business model, so that's a little bit of an adjustment for me, I go out and fight and try to earn every opportunity in front of me.

"The champ should see that, he's saying he wants contenders. You're not going to find one more ready than myself."

Volkanovski, who defended his title via a split-decision verdict over Max Holloway at UFC 251 at the weekend, watched on with interest. Afterwards, he tweeted: "Good fight...High level".

Kattar is confident he can beat any of the big names at featherweight, including the fighter currently on top of the division.

Asked how he sees a fight going against Volkanovski, Kattar replied: "I see it good, man. He's a little shorter for the division and you've seen how I match up with shorter guys. I like my reach.

"Then again, he did well with Max, who is another taller guy in the division. He's a tough kid.

"Everybody in the top 10, top five is going to be tough. I just think I present other qualities that will get the job done. I see myself beating everyone they put in there with me – the champ is no different."

Story first published: Thursday, July 16, 2020, 14:49 [IST]
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