Calvin Kattar says he will stay ready in case anything happens to either Alex Volkanovski or Korean Zombie.
In the main event of UFC 273, Volkanovki is looking to defend his featherweight strap against Chan Sung Jung in a very intriguing matchup. He was originally supposed to face Max Holloway but the Hawaiian was forced out, so with that, Kattar says he knows anything is possible so he’ll be staying in ready in case Zombie has to pull out.
“In my head, I’m planning on (being) the replacement,” Kattar told Michael Bisping on the “Believe You Me” podcast. “It’s not happening yet, but they said they’re gonna let me know as a replacement for Volkanovski and ‘Zombie,’ so staying ready for that.
“I’d like to. I mean, why not? It can’t hurt. I’m waiting to get an OK from the UFC. If that is the case, they’re gonna let me know in a certain timeframe. But once they do, if they let me know – and even if they don’t, in my head, it’s like try to chase that dog with a bone. If something happens, they’re gonna want me so keep my ass in the gym, stay ready. Just another reason to focus on it and get ready for something and have something to compete for.”
According to Calvin Kattar, he believes Alex Volkanovski will be too good for Korean Zombie and will defend the belt if both men make it to the Octagon.
“It’s not the fight that we asked for or wanted, but it’s the one we’re gonna get. Hopefully, it pans out,” Kattar said. “I think it’ll make for an exciting matchup for sure. I don’t think those two guys could be in a fight without being exciting. You would think the champ, right? We’ll see what ‘Zombie’ does.”
If Volkanovski retains his belt, Kattar still could be a win away from a title shot as Holloway is still there and Kattar is only on a one-fight win streak.
