Calvin Kattar is embracing the role of enemy as he enters Ricardo Lamas’ territory for their matchup on Saturday at UFC 238.
Not that he needs additional motivation to step in the octagon, Kattar (19-3 MMA, 3-1 UFC) said the chance to play spoiler against Lamas (19-7 MMA, 10-5 UFC), who was born in the event’s host city of Chicago, gets his juices flowing a little more than normal.
The majority of the crowd is almost certain to be on Lamas’ side, but Kattar said he’s bringing some support of his own.
“Awkwardly enough I’m pretty excited about it,” Kattar told MMA Junkie Radio. “I’ve never been to Chicago, and I got a bunch of people supporting me. As much as I’m looking forward to the boos, I might be hearing some cheers as well. We pack the house. You know how the Boston crowd does.”
UFC 238 takes place at United Center. Kattar vs. Lamas is part of the televised prelims on ESPN, which follow early prelims on ESPN+ and prior to main card on pay-per-view.
For Kattar, 31, the matchup with Lamas represents the biggest fight of his career. He’s won 11 of his past 12 fights and just signed a new UFC contract ahead of this weekend’s contest.
He has the chance to break through against Lamas, 37, who is one of five fighters in history to earn at least 10 UFC featherweight wins, and intends to take advantage. The win would only be made sweeter by doing it in enemy territory.
“I have a lot of respect for what the guy has done in the sport,” Kattar said. “I’m excited to test myself against a guy who has fought for the title and is a top contender, just to show where I stack up in the division against a guy who calls himself the best.”
For more on UFC 238, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
