For Calvin Cutter, the past few years have been tough. Once a top UFC featherweight contender and a very close fight with Max Holloway, the Boston finisher was trying to continue his dream run in weight class. However, losses to Josh Emmett and Arnold Allen derailed his momentum. The fight for Allen caused Qatar to suffer an ACL injury and freed him from action for eight months.
When he returned, the Boston finisher faced Aljaman Sterling, but once again faced defeat. Despite various set-offs, Qatar is sure he can still make a comeback and become a contender again for the title. But standing before him is Youssef Zalal, who has come with a rise and fall in a three-game winning streak in this division.
Speaking on Indiatoday.in ahead of the fight at UFC Fight Night 251, Kattar began an unfinished business at featherweight, overcoming adversity and overcoming what he wanted to do in the battle of Zalal.
Excerpt from an interview with Calvin Kattal
India Today: Last year was extremely tough for you with an ACL injury and a loss at the barn burner with Max Holloway. How did you get yourself to focus?
Kattar: Set time only motivates me more, so that’s how I react to things. It’s been a push for the past few years, but I’m ready to raise my hands on Saturday.
India Today: Your opponent, Youssef, recently said he hasn’t taken you lightly despite what’s happened recently, knowing how much he’s done in this division. Ta. What do you think about that?
Kattar: I’m not taking him lightly either, so that’s clever. I don’t take that stairs lightly with the octagon across from me. They did enough to get to that point and they deserve my respect. So I definitely haven’t taken him lightly. It will be hell of the co-main event, and I’m excited to get out there and do what it takes to raise my hand.
Today in India: What is this fight because the joint main event means to you? What do you want to show your fans? Where do you think this victory will take you?
Kattar: I just want to prove to myself that there is something I need to do to get the job done. As a by-product of that, I think fans are taking part in a fun battle. I always want to go out and get a finish. I feel that’s the way the fans want to see. It’s been a while. I look forward to another opportunity to raise my hands.
Today in India: What do you think the rest of 2025 will be like for you? Are you planning on becoming more active?
Kattar: I certainly hope so. But I can’t see past Zalal. I have to work through him first. I hope that teammates’ lob fonts will soon be on line on that backend. He is scheduled to fight next weekend. So I hope I’m busy, become obsessed with sports and ready for anything in my own way. I want more opportunities to compete.
Today in India: Given the competition and movement in the featherweight sector, have you ever considered moving to lighter?
Kattar: It’s always possible, but I generally felt better at 145. I haven’t gone my way in the last few fights, but that doesn’t mean I have to pivot like I’m crazy. The options are always there, but I feel good at featherweight and there is an unfinished business here. I want to deal with that first.
Today in India: Speaking of unfinished business, you have been in sports for a while and is one of the most famous names in featherweight. What are your steps to get back to title conflicts?
Kattar: It starts with Zalal and hopefully it won’t end there. He’s been on a four-game winning streak and I need to prove myself, the division, and the UFC that I’m still in the top 10, top 5 and running in the title. I’ve worked every day for it and I’m excited to do a show for the fans.
India Today: Last weekend, Anshul Jubli, one of India’s two fighters, was unfortunately knocked out in 19 seconds. It was a bit controversial as people wanted to see him get the chance to come back. What advice would you give him?
Kattar: Set should motivate you. If you can use them to push yourself and try your best to bow your head and develop that dog mentality, it’s a superpower. If you can maintain a positive mindset while everything is mixed up, you have really mastered yourself. That’s the first step to becoming successful in anything. My advice to him is to stay focused, put your head down and put it in work, and ignore external pressure. Focus on what he has control over. Training and improving every day. Eventually, another opportunity comes and he can make it happen.
Check out UFC Fight Night – Cannonier vs Rodrigues 5:30am on February 16, 2025 Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & HD (Tamil & HD) Telugu )
