On the prelims of UFC 300 tonight, a former champion made his debut in a new weight class. Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling (23-4) was moving up for the first time as he took on Calvin Kattar (23-7).
Sterling carried the bantamweight title and a nine-fight win streak into Boston last August against Sean O’Malley. That night, Sterling was stopped in the second round and his title reign came to an end. Following that loss, Sterling decided to do what he’s been teasing for a long time and that’s move up to 145.
Standing there to greet him tonight was Calvin Kattar. We haven’t seen Kattar in over a year and a half due to a severe knee injury he suffered in his last fight against Arnold Allen. Because of the injury loss and a split decision before that, Kattar had lost two in a row leading up to UFC 300. He was incredibly motivated to spoil the party and get back in the win column.
UFC 300 Recap
Round 1
The UFC 300 prelim kicks off with immediate pressure from Sterling. Side kick to the leg from Sterling and another low kick from Sterling. Kattar pops the jab out there to gauge the distance. Right hand lands over the top from Sterling. Jab lands for Kattar. Big left over the top from Sterling.
Now a nice calf kick lands for Sterling. Kattar trying to cut off the cage here but he eats another calf kick from Sterling. Sterling gets to a single leg and Kattar is trying to defend. Kattar hopping on one foot trying to throw punches but Sterling gets him to the ground. Kattar is against the fence trying to get back to his feet.
Sterling trying to work his way to the back here. 90 seconds left in the round and Kattar briefly gets to his feet but he’s right back down. Sterling now on the back of Kattar with about a minute left in the round. Kattar gets back to his feet and forces a separation. Body kick from Sterling. Nice side kick from Sterling. Kattar really upping the pressure here and Sterling gets another takedown. The round ends and it’s 1-0 Sterling at UFC 300.
Round 2
Entering the second and Kattar needs to keep this standing and he needs to start throwing more volume. Leg kick from Sterling starts the striking here in the second. Pressure here from Sterling and he gets a body lock. Sterling working for a takedown and he gets one but Kattar is against the fence here.
Kattar trying to get back up using the fence but Sterling is on him here. Back up is Kattar but Sterling still has ahold of him against the fence. Three minutes left in the second round. Knees to the thighs landing for Sterling here. Cage control and knees are dominating the second round thus far for Sterling.
Halfway through the second round and Kattar tries to break free. He tries to force a scramble but he can’t shake Sterling. They do separate and Sterling lands an immediate combination. Kattar on the pressure now and he throws a right hand. Beautiful body shot from Sterling and he gets to a double leg. Sterling dumps Kattar with one minute left.
Kattar needs to try to get back to his feet here. Side control for Sterling and he’s looking for the mount. 30 seconds left and Kattar appears content with just riding this round out. The round comes to a close and it’s 2-0 Sterling at UFC 300.
Round 3
Entering the final round and Kattar is going to need a finish here. Sterling immediately takes the center and throws a body kick. Single leg immediately from Sterling and he gets a quick takedown. He tries to get the back but Kattar pops up to his feet. Kattar works his way over to the fence but Sterling still has the body lock from the back.
One minute into the round and Kattar needs to break free. He’s throwing nice body shots here but he gets taken down by Sterling again. 90 seconds into the round and it’s desperation time for Calvin Kattar. Sterling is now 7/12 on his takedowns tonight. Sterling trying to pull Kattar away from the fence and he settles into full guard.
Halfway through the round and it’s looking like a dominant decision is coming for Aljamain Sterling. Sterling looks like he’s trying to secure an arm triangle here and he takes side control. Kattar reverses the position and Sterling ends slamming Kattar back to the ground. Big shots from Sterling. Just total domination from Sterling here. The fight ends and it’s an easy win for Sterling.
Aljamain Sterling def. Calvin Kattar by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)