Steve Garcia Secures Biggest Win Yet, Beats Calvin Kattar

Two featherweights on very different trajectories in Calvin Kattar and Steve Garcia faced off at UFC Nashville on Saturday.

Kattar, once considered a title hopeful in the UFC‘s 145lb division, had lost four straight, while Garcia was on a tear, coming into the bout on the strength of five straight victories. Garcia had the chance to extend both streaks, while Kattar was looking to end both his and Garcia’s in turn.

The opening minute found Garcia pressing the action and making Kattar fight off the back foot. A head kick from Garcia almost landed but was blocked. Kattar then threatened with a quick jab looking to keep Garcia at distance. A straight left hand and body kick found a home for Garcia in a nice combination midway through the round. Garcia continued to walk down Kattar in the southpaw stance. A spinning wheel kick from Garcia narrowly missed the target but was thrown with intent to end the fight. Garcia showcased his dynamic striking in the first round working combinations to the body and head, out-striking Kattar in the opening five minutes.

Both fighters started out cautiously in the opening seconds of round two. Garcia blitzed forward with a flurry of punches forcing Kattar to retreat towards the fence. Kattar circled to the outside and tried to move back to the center of the cage. Garcia threw a wild left hook that missed and was countered by an overhand right from Kattar. Garcia ate the shot well continuing to move forward. This was a very technical battle from two of the most game strikers in the Featherweight division. In the final minute of the round two, Garcia was again leading in terms of total strikes, imploring a tremendous pace.

Entering the final five minutes Garcia was well ahead in the contest two rounds to none. Kattar needed a finish to earn a victory in the third. Garcia landed a huge left hand that dropped Kattar and hurt him badly. A kick body forced Kattar to the fence as he tried to survive. Garcia was looking to earn his sixth knockout in a row. Kattar was able to survive the onslaught, but was getting picked apart on the feet. A counter left hook on the inside landed for Garcia, as blood ran from the nose of Kattar. In the final thirty seconds Kattar attempted a spinning backfist that missed. The final bell sounded as the Nashville crowd cheered for this tremendous fight. Going to the judges scorecards it seemed as if Garcia was ahead by a wide margin.

All three judges scored the fight unanimously for Steve Garcia as he beat a respected veteran and longtime contender in Kattar. Garcia called Calvin “tough as nails,” adding “It was an honor to compete against him.” This was a dominant performance from Garcia who showed he could go 15 minutes in victory, earning his sixth in a row.

Official Result: Steve Garcia def. Calvin Kattar by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)