MMA Fighting - UFC Fight Island 6 Post-Fight Show ft. Calvin Kattar

Episode Date: October 18, 2020

With UFC Fight Island 6 in the books, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and E. Casey Leydon are joined by No. 6 ranked UFC featherweight Calvin Kattar to break down the top storylines from Saturday’s event in Abu Dhabi, including Brian Ortega's unanimous decision win over The Korean Zombie in the main event. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc Follow Calvin Kattar: @CalvinKattar Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to the Vox Media Podcast Network. Well, hello there, everybody. We are live. Welcome to the UFC Fight Island Six post-fight show here on the MMAFighting.com YouTube page. I am Mike Heck, alongside our producer, E. Casey Lided, and our very special guest, the number six ranked 145 pounder in the world, who certainly had his eyes on tonight's main event between Brian Ortega and the Korean zombie. The Boston finisher himself, Calvin Cater, is here. joining us in the post-fight show. How are you, sir?

Doing great, guys. Thanks for having me on. Great to have you here. And by the way, for you, Calvin, for everybody watching right now, I know we're all anticipating this big boxing matchup between Lomachenko and Lopez, I will assure you that we will be out of here before that fight begins. When Lopez starts to make the walk to the squared circle, we are bouncing so we can all watch this fight. So no worries. We will make sure that happens. This will not be a 90-minute post-flight show. I get a few exit strategies just in case. I'm driving in the tunnel right now.

I lost connection. It's not our first day, sir. I was told that was a big part of you signing the contract to appear tonight is that you got to watch the fight, so we'll make that happen. Yeah, it's a big one, man. It's a good one. You know what happens? I get caught up in the 24-7s or that blood, sweat, and tears.

They got going for the pre-fight, and then now, you know, I'm hooked. They got to watch the damn fight. I like a little three story to the fights, you know, they get you going. Yeah, you start getting in that rabbit hole and then you're like, oh, man, then you get the goosebumps. You're ready to go. You're ready. But, you know, before we get into what happens, you know, in the octagon, who do you like in that fight? You're going with Lomachenko?

You're going with Lopez to pull off an upset here. I get to go on Lomachenko, but I love the story that, you know, the dads, the, it's just, you know, the different relationships with the dads. and then, yeah, it's just, there's a lot of animosity on the line. And, you know, I think at the end of it, you'll see, you know, a little bit of mutual respect. But both tough guys, I think Lohom would get it done. I am with you on that one. I think a lot of people agree. I saw some people on social media saying that this could be a draw, but that's boxing,

and we never know what that was going to happen. But so being a guy with best interest in the division and everything going on above you in the rankings, You've been waiting for these top five guys, kind of like Volcanovsky, to get in there and get something going here in the featherweight division. It was a big one tonight. Brian Ortega sweeps the scorecards over the Korean zombie, did it on the feet for pretty much the entire fight. Did that surprise you? Did this fight go the way you expected it to go? Yeah, I was going to mention that with the boxing fight.

Everyone expects Saloma, but no one expected Ortega, or at least in the fashion that he did it. So, you know, props to him, he came out after being inactive for a long time and show why he's, you know, still consider one of the better fighters in the division. So you were impressed with his performance? I mean, because you look at it on paper, and I think all of us are in agreement that if it gets to the ground, it's Ortega's fight, but if they stand there, I mean, he's not going to stand there with the Korean zombie, especially for 25 minutes. And the spinning back elbow in the second round just changed everything in that fight.

What did you think of that maneuver and some of the ways he was setting that up throughout the fight? Definitely, really clean. He caught him overcommitting to his shots. Ortele caught him. and he looked real sharp, man. He wasn't loading up his shots looking for the knockout. He was just, you know, he was peppering his jab, keeping him at bay. Like he said, baiting him in and then laid it some big shots.

And then when he did, you know, Zambi was a little hesitant to come back in again. And he was kind of okay with throughout the middle of the fight, just kind of losing as long as he was losing the rounds, getting edged out, as long as he wasn't giving up a big shot almost in a sense. It was like he was just coming back too. but it was a good fight. You could feel, you know, they were both working at game plans and that strategy. It was a well methodical thought out fight, and Ortega just, you know, took him to school. So the big question is now because Dana White said it, and I think everybody was in agreement.

I spoke with Volcanovsky a couple weeks ago that the winner of that fight was going to be next in line to fight for the title. So it looks like sometime maybe early 2021, Ortega is going to challenge Volcanowski. from an X's and O's guy, you're going to be watching that fight very closely too. You're probably a winner two away from getting there yourself. Who do you like in that fight? Do you think Ortega has what it takes to take that strap off of him? I mean, if he fights how he fought tonight,

he's going to be a dangerous opponent for the champ. But I think we're all just excited to see some movement. And I think, yeah, the UFC is eager to set up a different headline other than, you know, the Holloway, you know, Volunowski fight. So this gives them some new blood and maybe, you know, move things around to top a little bit, which it's much needed. So we'll see how things shake out. Like you said, end of this year in the beginning of 2021.

I'm excited, though. I think it's you and Holly, man. That's the fight to make. We talked about this before. You've been talking about it quite a bit. I know your manager's been talking about it quite a bit. The man Tyson Chartier, who got this all set up for us. I mean, this is the fight, right?

I mean, you're looking for either of these guys at this point. But I feel like you and Max is it's destined to happen at this point. Hey, sounds right. to make sense. Everyone else is busy. Two game guys looking to stay busy. And yeah, I'm with it, man. I'm not training this hard for nothing. So sign me someone up and let's get to work. I'm already, you know, my goals to go three and O this year. And the year's not done yet. So I'll be ready to go whenever they come calling. So ideally perfect world, you get back in there, maybe November, December, probably more preferably at this point?

Every time for this, ever sounds like to get on a car with my teammate, Rob Vaughn, man. He's overdue. You know, coming off a big win against Simone, and I think it's about time. Everyone's talking about these bandmates, but they're all forgetting about Rob Font. So I'm excited for his comeback and really show why, you know, he's one of the best fighters in the world, too. Yes, that's a question I get a lot. When's Rob Fon coming back? I know he is cleared to compete.

Just a matter of getting him back in there. So hopefully we can get him set up and maybe get you on there as well. have the New England cartel just all represented. Maybe we get Mikey Rod back on. You can all fight together. Joe Lozod. I'm still looking to put a bucket list next to Vegas for fighting. It hasn't happened yet.

And I was joking. I was like, I can't even get a fight in Vegas when it's a 50-50 shot. Yeah, you're the fight iron to Vegas. Send them to fight island. I don't know what I got to do. What up, Blue Franks? All right. I'm seeing some shoutouts all here.

Yeah, man, trying to get me in Vegas fight. but hopefully by the year's end, like I said, and hopefully with my teammate rough on. Yes, we'd love to see that happen. Calvin Cater, joining us on the UFC Fight Island Six post-fight show. Brian Ortega gets a huge win over the Korean zombie in the main event, swept the scorecards. Co-made him, we saw Jessica and Drudge get a quick finish over Caitlin Chukagi.

Would you think that performance, Calvin? Great body shots. I'm way to go back to it. I was happy to see. I always love seeing good body work, especially in MMA. You know, it's intelligent strike. I thought it started taking do it a couple of times, too, hit the body, good setups. And, you know, good bodywork slows him down, puts a little money in the bank.

And, yeah, man, she didn't need a lot of time to do it. Yeah, what a first female fighter in UFC history to win fights in three different weight classes, 115, 1.15, 125, 1.35. She said she's willing to go up to 45, Calvin, to get another fight in. I love it, man. She's a little beast. She's a pimple. She goes in there, and really it's not much of a feeling uprocious.

She wants to land big shots, and she goes on and lands them. She sure does. She looked great tonight. You know what? And normally we talk a lot of different things, Casey, but you know what? Let's just get right to the peeps. Let's get right to the peeps because we don't know when this, when Lomachenko and Lopez is going to happen, want to make sure we're ready and willing to cable.

I'm in a tunnel right now. Power's out. Power's out. Power's out. Power's out. All right, here we go. Questions for Calvin about tonight's card or whatever. Can you see what we got here?

Yeah, what a great performance tonight by T-City against TKZ. Do you give him a great chance versus Volcanovsky being evolved and better than he has ever been? And where does the Korean zombie go from here? So that's an interesting question, Calvin. You know, maybe you and the Korean zombie could get some work in. Is that a fight that interests you at this point? I like to fight a guy off a win, you know, but then again, look, I'm going to fight Max Holloway off. loss or maybe him.

Honestly, I don't really give a shit. I just want to fight someone. Don't with a high rank. Sounds cool with me. Does Ortega stand the chance? Yeah, man, he looked great. If he goes on fights like that, he mixed it up really well, too.

He threaded some elbows. I love spinning shit. You know, that was impressive. It was cool. Fun to watch. And yeah, he just mixed it up real well. So kept him guessing, kept him on his toes. And, you know, I'd be interested to see that match up

versus champ. But I'm excited to, you know, just get in there. I'm more excited about stepping in there with either of these guys with me in the future. But, you know, Propsta Orteg, he came out with a big win impressively. He really looked impressive tonight. So you can't hate on too much for getting that next shot. And, you know, good luck to him. And hopefully I get in there with either of these guys in the future. Yeah. And I like that matchup from a stylistic perspective.

We talked about this earlier on our stream for the press conferences, that Volcanovsky is such a great ability to adjust in the middle of the fight. I mean, you saw it in the second Holloway fight. Those first two rounds, he probably dropped on everybody's scorecards, but then he was able to make those adjustments in there and make things interesting. Probably one third, fourth, and fifth round just depends. I mean, it was a really close fight. It could have gone either way. But, you know, in seeing these extra tools in Ortega's full box right now, that makes that fight a little more interesting to see how things would go in rounds three, four, and five, right?

Definitely, definitely. I mean, he got my attention after that last performance. and I'm excited to see the matchup. But, I mean, where does zombie go from here? Who knows? I just hope these things keep shuff around a little bit because, like you said, things have been a little stagnant. I don't care where they go is as long as they move around.

Let's get them going. Let's stop holding up the division. If the champ wants Ortega, make it happen. Cool, let's start. You know, let's make the featherweight division stand out among the rest and make these big fights happen. I like the direction of 145 right now. Like people talk about 35 being such a deep division.

I think 45 is a little more underrated. But now that we're seeing a little bit of movement, I think we're starting to see 45 get at the forefront as well, Calvin. I agree. I agree with that thought process. Man, you might see it take off a little bit more now that these guys aren't so held up. It was a little standstill for a while. But hopefully 2021 will be good for us, you know?

Yeah. So we have questions for Calvin. Oh, go ahead. Before we're going to next question, I haven't seen anyone ask this. And I really want to know what Mr. Cater thinks about this. What did you think about Mr. Ortego's wrestling tonight? Just from my point of view, like, it was risky. It seems very risky.

The way he was reaching in for those legs, a zombie, I was just thinking, oh, my God, he's going to eat a big knee. But what did you think about it? Yeah, I felt like he was real front-foot-heavy zombie. So maybe he was just kind of playing with that a little bit. He didn't look like he was going for it so much other than, you know, maybe kind of threatening it and then coming up with strikes. I think he was just doing it more so to kind of mess with him,

show him something different. But he didn't really, I don't think I saw him commit so much to any of the takedowns. And if he did, you know, he kind of, he ran him over with it. It wasn't anything kind of technically set up.

It just kind of happened. But so the wrestling is, I don't think it was really, it was more set up. I don't think it was really threatened as much as he wanted. I thought he did a good job mixing it striking with the takedown attempts or threatening the takedown. His striking really was what was nice off of the wrestling, I think.

So the, okay, so the wrestling just, it accented his striking, just by just by keeping zombie going, okay, well, now I have to think about this at least. Yeah, and then also when you're looking down to me, he came a couple of times, tried dipping low, hit him with a sidekick to the face, but he didn't catch him dipping too much. He was grabbing the leg, ripping elbows, you know, threatening to take down, getting to kind of lean forward into one maybe. So I thought he did a good job mixing it up, disrupting the. the balance of zombie and then coming away with strikes on the exit, which is real smart.

So, yeah, he did that mixed up well. He did a lot of good things that, you know, I'm sure he's happy with. And he's going to give the champ a lot to think about should that matchup happen in January. Thank you for answering that question. Yeah. So, by the way, if you guys didn't know, the bonuses and I went to Andrage, Jimmy Crute, for his knockout over Modestiscus, that was just violent. super violent knocker right there.

And then the fight of the night was the featured prelim between Guram Kutatsalateh, defeating Mateus Gamrots in the 100. I was telling Casey that if I pronounce Kutatelazza, I have to pronounce it like a ring announcer because that's how I heard it and got the pronunciation. So you can't just say it normally. It's a Guram Kutatalate.

Yeah, that's not an easy one. No, it's not. Calvin Kater, that's it. We can say it in however. You can surprise how many people messed out. up. I was getting a coffee order, man. I just switched up to my boy Joel because they kept, good luck spelling Calvin.

And then they end up spelling a J-O-L-E. I'm like, how do you mess up Joel? I couldn't imagine, man. But yeah, you guys get a tough, you guys get a tough, you know, they hang out to drive with some of these names. Is there, and there's so many pronunciations. I mean, Joe called me Chris Cater. After I got Burgos at the Guard.

goes, oh my God, Chris Cater. Oh, yeah. I remember that. What did you think about zombie's performance tonight, Calvin? I think you're just looking for the home run a little bit much. And I mean, how can you?

After the last performance, Ortega looked like he could use a little work on the feet. And I think Zombie did a good job trying to expose that. But Ortega looked sharp. And he obviously went back to the gym, made improvements, stuck behind his jab and said he found a nice rhythm in Southpaw, so he stayed there, worked out well.

But I think zombie was just loading up a little too much and it was getting hit with some big shots looking for the bigger shots. Casey thought that zombie looked sleepy tonight. That was the big thing. Maybe like the time difference and the change. I mean, it didn't affect you at all, but, you know, maybe it affected him a little. Ortega had the same situation, you know, so it's tough. you know he had to deal with the same circumstances so a sleepy ortega beats a sleepy zombie apparently um that that that is that's great analysis by the way that means what it is right

it is it's all it is it is for everybody yeah out there sleepy ortega man yeah watch out man vitamin if you find him vitamin bagis get him when like he's like wide awake yeah sleepy bag yeah I think he should try to run it back where whoever he fights next and fight Island, definitely. He looked good out there at that 4 a.m. time. Yeah. He said, when he was asked about that, he said, he liked, I like to party, man. I can party with the best of him. So 4 a.m., he's good.

Yeah, 4 a.m. is normal for him. I don't like it. Before you about the UFC, most of his fights are probably 4 a.m. anyway. Right. You mentioned earlier about, we talked about Ortega's wrestling. How much did it hinder zombie you feel? The fact that maybe there was no plan B. Like he didn't threaten a shot.

I mean, I know that's not his game, but maybe, I don't know. He didn't adjust. He didn't adjust, right? Yeah. I felt like he was doing a good job to be fair to him in the second. And, you know, in the beginning of the round, maybe towards halfway through the end. Then he got hit with that big elbow. Kind of shell-shocked him.

And I think he was kind of just tuning back in in the third, fourth. And then in the fifth round, it was a little too late as the way I read it, you know, but, yeah, that was a big elbow by Ortega. And a good shot sometimes will change a fight like that. Yeah, he didn't get the finish, but it definitely changed the pace of that fight and the momentum going into that second round where, you know, it was pretty fair fight up until that one elbow. Yeah, I think it was just beautiful.

I think zombie was actually, I think zombie was pretty much, I think that that knockdown happened within the last minute. And I was pretty, from what I remember, zombie was winning that round, I think. Yeah. Yeah. effort. Yeah. The momentum of the whole fight would have changed.

Like, if he doesn't learn that elbow, I would be really interested to see how that fight would look like. But hypotheticals you can't really do in this sport because you'll get your head will start exploding. Yes, we'll be here all day. Even just like you saw in that boxing fight, the guy took an accidental headbutt to the nose in the first round started bleeding. You guys caught that in that Barbosa Jr., I think boxing fight right before the Loma is the

fight before. I was just noticing he took a nice clean head butt by accident. But round one of a, you know, what is it, 11 round fight or something like that, it just sucks and leaves the ass just next to the fight. You just, it is what it is. Now he's got something he's got to overcome. It is what it is. And everybody's been there.

You had to deal with it. But it's definitely something to think about in the fight. And definitely gives the guys in the comment section a lot to talk about. Yes. Anthony Watkins says, I'd be curious to know what Cater thinks about strikes intended to hyper extend the knee. Are they dirty or all is fair in love? war. A lot of people walking out knee injuries

lately. What do you think about that, Calvin? So, I think they're dangerous is shit, but that was the that, along with the throat punch and the soloplex shot with the three moves my father taught me in like first grade how to defend. So I've been practicing that one for a long time.

I'm well aware of it. And yeah, it's a little dangerous, man. But, yeah, yeah, I don't, I haven't been with one where, you know, It's bucking me too much. I think you just kind of got to be aware of it. If they want to get rid of it, I see it whatever.

It's not a big deal. But, yeah, I don't see too many crazy injuries happen from that shot, do you? I mean, you tell me, I don't really, every now and then maybe, but it was the last person I was injured to that strike. For the amount of people. I think, like, Wonderboy, I remember from the till fight, he got his knee all banged up. He took a few of those, and he was kind of pissed about it. And people were like, why is Wanderb? Wonderboy complain about that because his whole, like, his entire game is based on kicking and

throwing kicks like that. I mean, as long as it's not on the knee cap, but that's obviously, you know, small window right there. But if you're going for that new cap, I think it's definitely not ideal. But if you're going above the knee, as it's supposed to be intended, I believe, then, you know, I don't think it's the worst. But, yeah, yeah, I don't think, I don't think that was the craziest dictator of that fight specifically, but definitely, you know, something to talk about.

It's not illegal. Not illegal. I think there's worse things that, you know, I don't think it's the worst. But like I said, I don't think that dictated to fight. It was a good range fighter. I thought Ortega did a good job earlier in the rounds to, landing some light kicks, just establishing, you know, safe distance, making zombie fall behind point-wise slightly. And then just getting that, getting the ball going with that, you know, safe, long-range

kicks and then and then kind of baiting him into big shots you know that was kind of the story of the fight and he he landed him i was i was wondering what would happen if i mean because you saw it even like in the second round you didn't zombie wasn't landing a ton of leg kicks but when he was landing they were batting up in a big way i mean his like his lower leg ortega's lower legs between like his shins and his calves were like purple they were nasty in like the middle of the second round. And then I forgot all about him because Ortega just had a poker face on or you just completely took over in that fight. So the light kicks are a big weapon for both guys. Just worked out better for. Calvin, Calvin, I think we addressed this earlier, but we'll ask it

again in case you missed it. Who you got, Loma Chenko or Lopez? I got Loma Chico. Yeah, I'm not really going on a, I'm not taking a bold prediction there. I think he's what, the 4 to 1 favorite right now at least big big money's on uh on loma but they got a lot of a lot of a lot of money on lopez but the big sharks are saying the big bets are on loma so who knows i think loma uh gets a job done he's he's just he's fun to watch man that guy like the matrix he really is uh i try to study him a lot it's he makes it so easy it's uh fight IQ yeah it's just it's all fight IQ man he's he's unbelievable at it and um and you got to tip your hat man so but the other kid's pretty tough that lopez

kid. I mean, he's got that game change in power. And, you know, if he couldn't land a big shot, it'll change the big, you know, the whole outcome of fight. Same thing you got kind of going to the Khabibh's a beast. But if, if Gagee can land that one shot, you know, you kind of can't count those type of guys out. They're tough. They're durable. And they can put anybody away if they land that shot on the button. Who are you picking in that fight? That one. Just like I said, how do you go against Kabeem, man? You can't really go against Kibu, but Gagee's got that game changing power. And I will say that Khabibb's stand-ups has gotten better, you know, since his debut.

You know, he's improved it a lot. You drop Connor, you know, big shot. But there's still some openings. And Gagie, you know, Gagie might be able to find them. But if you don't find those small windows in that short moment where Kibb comes in to close distance and commits, that's a long nightmare, as you see him with everybody else. And he just mauls you. So, yeah, I'm really excited about that fight.

I'm really excited that we finally hit this quarter. and got some big matchups coming up that I've been wanting to see for a while now. I agree. That's a huge one. Early start time for that card. I'm very excited. Calvin, on the East Coast,

2 p.m. main event, main card start time next week. It's beautiful. I love it. You can play golf in the morning and go watch fights. It's beautiful. Good time, man.

I'm with it. Yes, sparring and then go hit it around the golf with the app on the phone. I like it. I'm with it. Probably get maybe one or two more in before the end of the season. Yeah. we're getting to that point where it's like that october gross weather it just rains for like five

straight days and then we get like a nice sunny 52 degree day and then we hope it lasts for a while yeah yeah peter cader brady or roger i don't know i don't know what that means talking about erin rogers or rady is it er rhodger is yeah i don't know if we were talking roger i mean i don't know man anybody clemens If not, I'm assuming he's talking about Tom Brady or Aaron Rogers. So I'm going to say Brady, even though he's a buck, you know, got a lot of love for that guy. He gave me a lot of good days back home in the last two decades.

People like give me shit about the Brady, the Buccaneers thing. I think it's great. Like you need a new challenge, go get it. Like remember when Ray Bork went to the Colorado Avalanche? It's the same thing for me. Like, I still root for Ray Bork the whole time. Yeah, go good And he won the cup

Yep I mean It hurt a little bit When Grok went there too Not gonna lie But hey It is what it is I mean I get it

That was my boy I'd make it happen too Yeah It's fun to watch though Because I mean After that first week They're like Oh Brady sucks

He's done See He's a He's a beautiful And now the last three weeks He's looked outstanding Yeah Yeah

I know that's how these guys respond that I'm excited to see how the season plays off for both the Patriots and Tom Brady and the Buccaneers man after a loss

you know that they're bouncing back strong they're just championship you know program and athlete and I'm excited to see how they do now that there's that riff

in between and they've both got something to prove a little bit more now you know it's a little bit more special than them absolutely

that's an interesting that's a good question from Tyler region I think what did you all think of Jimmy Crew tonight? Power looks serious. Now, I will lay it all on the line here. I'll put my cards on the table. I thought I picked Modestis Bacchus to win this fight

and our little pick-em thing because I've seen Bacchus fight for a long time. And when you fight a guy, he's fought a lot of very powerful strikers. And what he's been able to do is he's been able to get dropped, but he's been able to overcome and then get late finishes. He's done this so many times. So I was like, all right, Crut's going to drop. him and hurt him badly. But if he can get through that first round, I think you can turn it around and get a finish. But Krut just is like at another level of power. I mean, when that guy

connects, it is clean and is vicious and is violent. And Modestis just couldn't do anything about it. So, Calvin, watch the guy. I know you're a big powerful guy. You've gotten some big, impressive finishes in your career. What did you think sing back from a fan's perspective watching Jimmy Kruh get a finish like that tonight? Yeah, it's the guy that's put his arm around the guy after you drop. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Right? And they almost did a fellow. Yeah, they opened the door.

Yeah. Yeah. Do you hop the fence after? Say what's up to Dana, right? Yep. Yep. Him and Hamzat. Yeah, him and Hamzat were children.

Yeah, yeah, right. Man, what do you got to do? Cakeside? You got one punch people. Yeah, no, that kid showed some serious power. He's a tough kid. Laded a big shot slipped and threw the right hand over the top, right? As the guy looked like he was almost coming in for like a jab and, you know,

maybe switch kick. I think it was off a switch. What is it? I think it was off a switch kick. Yeah, it was kind of like a jab and it just like a switch kick, right? And he slipped the jab and came over the top before the kick game. That was clean, man. That's good timing.

I like that. I like there's people forget. There's so much to just do off, you know, just the jab and just basics, man. And if you can master the basics and have an advanced level basics, you know, those powerful shots when they land, it's just game change. And he did

a good job, you know, finding that big spot and and followed up and finished strong. His precision after that big shot was pretty impressive too. You know, hit him with a good, was like a hook type, like a hook, uppercut type deal on when the kid got up. Yeah. And then followed up, hit him again. That's how you got to respond, man. I thought, I thought Ortega, you know, when he dropped him with that elbow, if you come over, man, and try to go finish that fight, you put a referee in a situation where, you know, maybe he's a little uncomfortable now. If he doesn't stop that fight, it's on him. And, you know, I know, I know the short time, I think, in that round anyway. But I think when you land that big shot, how you deal with

that says a lot about you. And I thought that kid did a good job falling up. Yeah, he looked great. He's taking things very seriously. He's always been very talented. I think he's living in a van now, like near the gym. Like, he's that serious because he doesn't, he wants to use all his money to, like, make himself better as a fighter as opposed to paying rent and paying bills. He just lives in a van now, like right near the gym. I respect it, man. I respect. Hell yeah. I mean, is if the pandemic was in isolation and nothing. Taking it another step further, man. I'm with it. I like it.

Whatever gets him going. So, Calvin, how, for you, how quickly or how difficult is it just to turn it off? Like when Jimmy Krupe just demolish this guy, you know, a big fight of his career, and then half a second later, he's like, hey, bro, you're all right?

I was like, whoa. How does that work for you? I'll tell you what, too. If I'm getting knocked out, I don't know if instantly, like I you might have to you know who knows me he just got knocked out so you may even know there but like I don't know if I want to Scott hugging me after either though you know like give me a second man I didn't see what happened probably whatever but yeah I know it's cool man it's after the fight's over a lot of times you hope that the beep is settled if there is any

and and and generally speaking it's it's never have like animosity towards a guy unless they they create that themselves and like I said post-fight yeah he turned it off pretty quick, man. For me, it's like, it's pretty instantaneous, though. It is pretty instantaneous, but it takes me a little bit, man. By the time I get out back and get into the green room, I pretty much settled, you know, when I get to the green room, hit the ice cream, you know, set up and all the food out back.

I'm pretty good by them, but these guys are fast. Have you, have you been in a situation where you had a guy with, like, you actually felt a ton of animosity towards an opponent? Like, you obviously want to go in there and finish. Like, I think when Jeremy Stevens missed weight, We talked about how pissed off you were about that whole situation. So I'm sure landing that elbow, finishing the fight the way you did was a little extra satisfying. But have you been in a situation like that before?

Or you're just like, oh, I want to just absolutely destroy this individual because of things he said or whatnot? I usually like try to find ways to create it, even though there's never really been many. But Jeremy, Jeremy did it on his own, you know, the way. And not like he was just that. I didn't really like the way he handled and stuff. but I was happy with the way things worked out in the fight. Other than that, I generally don't need the guy that kind of give me any more chips.

I find reasons to get amped up to the fight, you know, whether he's a good guy, you know, tries to start some shit before the fight, talk some smack. So I'm really independent of whatever the hell. You know, they try to bring to the table. I come in, prepared and try to deal with these guys all the same, whether they're trying to get under my skin or not,

because sometimes that could work for you and sometimes that could work against you. The life of a fire. We'll do like five more minutes because we do like five more minutes because we do not want Calvin to miss a second of Loma Lopez. I don't want to be on the other side of that. Allow it, man. It's a good fight. I know everyone hears me. Yeah, we all want to watch.

We all want to watch it. You got to get in the zone too. You know, you can't just, you can't just, it's a big fight. You know, you got to get your body ready, you know. So get your last second questions in, ladies, gentlemen. Last second questions. Jessica Andrade's looking impressive tonight against you, Kagan. She looks stronger and more evolved with her debut at Flyweight.

She's getting a title shot with this performance, right? That is from our good friend Tristan Gordette. I don't know. I'd say she's right up there. But again, you have, I think it's unfortunate that Lauren Murphy is not fighting Cynthia Calvio next weekend because Calvio is out of that fight, because I still think the winner of that one, especially if Calvio 1,

would probably be next in line. But Andrage, putting away Caitlin Chukagian in the first round like that, it's tough to argue. It's tough to argue right now. What do you think, Calvin? Like, would you just throw her? I mean, Schenko's fighting Jennifer Maya

on November 21st. I mean, we all kind of assume that Shepchenko's going to win that fight, but anything can happen. Are you throwing Androge in there next? Do you want to wait and see how things play out a little bit more by the end of the year. You can't see what she wants a quick turnaround.

But yeah, she definitely, she did all that she could do to control, you know, to get to get that shot. She went out there. She finished a number one contender and put her away in the first round with body shots and did it impressively. So she made her statement and now it's on the UFC and the powers of being. Like, you know, Brian O'Teaguer went out there and did his thing. He got his shot. It's hit or missed me. Hopefully that works out for her.

but she definitely looked impressive tonight. It'd be tough to say no. It's crazy. Like just seeing them face off with each other. She came eight inches taller, like six inches of reach. It was just crazy. And then And Raj got right in there. Like five seconds in the fight.

She got inside, started landing to the body, got her up against the fence. I'm like, oh, boy, that was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. I like her style, man. She comes right in and tries to land some big shots. But she works her way in, you know, and I felt like zombie was looking for some big shots, but he wasn't working his way in as much, or Oratega was doing a good job being elusive

and moving his feet, getting out of there. But, yeah, she put her against the cage and landed that finish her blow to the stomach. Impressive performance, she looked great, and I love watching her fight. Yeah, Calvin, like, for a... What is the take for a fighter? Like, is it a mental thing?

Because, like, I know, you know, we were talking about this pre-fighter, like, oh, she's so much shorter. She's, like, a foot shorter, you know? But like, so what is it that, what is it that fighter needs to be able to get through that fire to get inside to land those body shots? Because it seems scary. Yeah, I know it's a lot of things, especially in the MMA. You get too low. You try to come in chasing that body.

Sometimes you get caught with a big knee or something up the center. And, you know, it's not as simple as some of these boxers will do it in our sport. But, yeah, you definitely got to just, you know, go commit and not stay on the outside too long or else you'd be picked apart. and one way or another you're working away in. And like you said, she did a good job, kind of handling what she did working away in. But you kind of find those types in the gym. You know, you're going to find that tall,

the taller person that you go against, the shorter one, the Volvenowski of the group, the taller guy of the group, the wrestler, the BJJ guy, the boxing style, the kick-prosster. You know, and then when you used to all these different styles after, you know, cross-training enough with all these different, like you know, like you said, styles that you'll be presented with in the octagon.

You know how to kind of deal with them. And then at some level, if it's not working out the way you're doing it, you've got to adjust real time. But with that one was, you know, that one round fight, there was no time to adjust for, you know, the other one and Andres went in there and handle business. Cool. And I think we've got one more question.

And this is a simple one. Canter, who is the toughest person you've been? beat. Damn, man, you got to spell that name right.

You know what I'm saying? The damn right. A. R. I appreciate

your question. But I'm going to say who's the toughest person I beat. I would say Shane Burgos. That was a

badass fight, man. I got a lot respect for that kid. Fast act. You know, win,

lose. And he brought a tough fight. I liked it. I remember in the third round, I won the

first round. He might had edged me the second. And then that third where we came out and he was kind of amping up the crowd and I'm like man this is where I'm from I'm in public I was like but he got me he got my respect like okay all right you know this guy's

bringing it you know got a good fight on our hands third round who wants it and uh you know he ended me up it was a great fight it was a good test 10 and 0 3 in the UFC at the time and it felt like to me after a short notice debut in uh in california anaheim in july i had a 10 week camp and at home in Boston. So it was like my real debut and it was an important fight. And it was just a great tough, tough fight, well learned, harder and win. I like them third round knockouts, almost better than the first. You know, you go through something, you get, you dig deep and you go and get a finish, man.

There's nothing like those third round finishes. You just appreciate them after having to work so hard for it. That was one of my favorite events to cover ever, UFC 220, because me, Media Day, Fenway Park, like up in the... That was amazing. That was cool, right that. Yeah, that was awesome. I walked right up.

What was that? 220. Was that D.C. Volcanowski? Ozedamere. Oh, yeah. Sorry, sorry, sorry, Osamir. Another V-named, yeah. Oh, yeah, I was there.

I remember the... It was actually the bit, yes, that was the co-made event. The main event was Steep A versus Inganu. Okay. Now it's all coming back. I remember I got the, oh, the catering was great at Fenway. I remember that. That's all I remember.

Yeah, the lobster rolls. It was really wild. Kate, I remember that media day because everybody was lying up to talk to D.C. And I walked right up to Calvin Cater, right off the bat. Cater was wearing his New England versus the world t-shirt. I remember that day vividly. I talked to you and I talked to Burgos like right after. It was tremendous.

Yeah, what do we? Yeah, not a lot of people came up to talk to me, man. And I remember those things, but I love it. So yeah, I appreciate, you know, you coming up, giving me some TV time, you know, because starting out, man, they don't show you no love. And then all of a sudden, you know, you start kind of winning some fights

and they all want to act like they've been there from the start. And now you kind of got this, you always trying to pocket these chips, like I said, right? So I've had media days where not one person asking me a question in Chicago. Then I knocked out a Llamis, and then I get my opportunity as a main event. And it's funny how, you know, then I'm booked out.

with their interviews. It's like you find reasons to get that chip on your shoulder. Yeah, that was just funny situation right there with none of them coming. And then, but the TD Garden was, was amazing, man,

Boston doing the crowd. I remember I gave Ariahawani some shit because he went up to Burgos didn't come up to me, you know? I was about to say that because, because for that event, I was Ariel's camera guy.

And I remember afterward, I remember afterward, you guys were kind of a little, bird oh pissy and i was like hey i bet they're mad we didn't interview them i think that was well i tell you what me i'm gonna be pissed no matter what but i didn't forget that wasn't directed towards you guys no i know you guys gave me a couple extra chips for fight night thank you yeah you're welcome sir that fight was awesome i was i was i remember how excited i was like everyone was talking about the two title flights i'm like dude cater versus burgos is gonna be awesome

that is a great fight because i learned a lot in that fight and um like it's crazy man from my debut to now i've never learned so much in my career so i feel like i'm just scratching the surface and it was a good test um i don't think i don't really think you know a lot of people gave me too much of a shot and and and a couple of those fights and uh even though i was at home coming off the win and had a long camp and um i was happy to go and earn some respect against a you know tough opponent in shame burgos catermania i remember the catermania t-shirts were busted out of that event too That was one of my favorites.

What a great card that was. And what a great card tonight was. UFC Fight Allen 6. And there's still more combat sports to come. Loma Lopez, about to go down. Where are we at, KZ? I know you got the cue from Esther. Esther's like, wrap it up.

Wrap it up, guys. All right, we got to be. My connection, like I said, kind of going. Right now, if you got a little scratch, you got to cut out. Well, Kevin, we appreciate the time. Any final words for the peeps?

for the rest of your division, for the five members of this division ranked above you for Volcanovsky. What do you want to say to everybody as the division moves forward tonight? I'm coming for all of them. And then when they show those damn rankings, they got to show one through six next time, not top five. And you get some love on that TV time next time, man. Talk to UFC, tell me he top six when I mentioned the featherweights. Cooed my ass and they're both one of these guys out and throw me in there. Let's get two.

I mean, have you tied for fifth at least? And then we can put both of you there. You can each have a five next day in it. I'm coming for all. I can't wait for it. I look forward to day. I can share the archagon with every one of those guys. And I'm coming for that belt.

If right now it's Ortega, next, it's me. And whoever that's going to be to get me that opportunity, I'm ready for them next. So line them up. I appreciate the support. Good talking to you guys. And also, tuning to my boy, Rob Font. He's coming back with a vengeance after a year layoff and taking out, you know, Ricky Simone, like I said, we're coming, man.

New England cartels coming in 2021. We're going to be all in your face. Connor Matthews. He had a nice performance too. He's one of your training partners, right? You know Connor? Yeah, you were good. Matthews came out of a big win.

Mitchiposa, another one. A lot of these guys, man, a lot of good upcoming talent. Tyson, top game management went training all that night, I believe. And we got some studs, man. It's tough to see the local scene at a standstill right now. But it's finally starting to move around again. And I'm happy to see these local guys who I know they're next up, man. and they're going to make New England proud.

So definitely some big things coming for New England MMA in the future. Absolutely. Calvin, appreciate the time, man. Enjoy the big boxing fight. Loma Lopez, the rabbit hole has been filled up for you. So you're all about them. Who do you guys got? I didn't get your predictions.

Who do you got? I'm going to be the man. You got to beat the man kind of a guy. So I'm going Loma Chenko until I'm proven otherwise. I love it. I just want to see him pivot and turn and do all those. I'm just going to stare at his feet. I'm just going to, that sounds weird.

I mean the aerial view of the rank. Yeah, that's what I was. I just want to see him move. I just love it. I just love it. Thank you to the fifth ranked featherweight. Calvin Cater. You just went up one in the rankings.

Congratulations. There you go. Appreciate you, gentlemen. Thank you, Calvin. Thank you everybody for watching right now. If you're listening or watching after the fact, we appreciate that as well. For Calvin Cater, for Casey Liden, I am Mike Heck. Good night, everybody.

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