Name: Calvin Kattar
Age: 30
Nationality: American
MMA Record: 18-2
UFC Record: 2-0
Notable Wins: Andre Fili, Shane Burgos
Notable Losses: None
Last Fight: TKO win over Shane Burgos
Fighter Profile: Kattar came into the UFC with low expectations but has quickly turned into a darkhorse contender in the featherweight division in just two fights. A decision win over Andre Fili in his UFC debut opened eyes, but a TKO win over Shane Burgos in his last outing was truly his breakthrough performance. Kattar is riding a 10-fight win streak at the moment and he should continue to get even better. He’s a really well-rounded striker with good striking, wrestling and cardio and a win here over Moicano would shoot him into the top-10 at featherweight and get him closer to a title shot.
Name: Renato Moicano
Age: 28
Nationality: Brazilian
MMA Record: 11-1-1
UFC Record: 3-1
Notable Wins: Jeremy Stephens
Notable Losses: Brian Ortega
Last Fight: Submission loss to Brian Ortega
Fighter Profile: Moicano was an undefeated talent coming up on the regional circuit and certainly didn’t disappoint in his first three UFC fights, winning all three of them before running into Brian Ortega in his last fight and losing. But during his win streak he showed off a well-rounded game that includes solid striking as well as submission prowess. The problem with Moicano is his last of activity, as he averages just about a fight a year since joining the UFC. That’s not how a young fighter should develop. He needs more cage time to improve his game and he just isn’t getting it because he gets injured quite a bit. When healthy he’s a stud, but it’s rare to see him healthy. The UFC continues to give him tough matchups and this one against Kattar shouldn’t be any easier. It’s a fight that Moicano can win, but he’ll need to be on his A-game if he wants to do so.
Fight Breakdown: Both of these guys are impressive young fighters. Kattar has looked amazing in the UFC so far while Moicano has looked terrific outside of the loss to Ortega, and there’s no shame in that loss. Still, I can’t pick Moicano here considering how good Kattar has looked in the UFC so far. I think Kattar is the better striker and he should have the grappling to dictate whether this fight takes place on the feet or on the ground. I also think he’s more durable and has the better defense. Not to mention we know Kattar knows how to win a decision, as he’s gone the distance plenty of times in his career. I think this will be a good, competitive fight, but I think Kattar outpoints Moicano on the feet and wins a decision.
Prediction: Kattar via decision
