Calvin Kattar says 2023 return definitely a possibility, relishes 'opportunity to make things right'

BOSTON – It appears Calvin Kattar is ahead of schedule for his return.

Kattar (23-7 MMA, 7-5 UFC) blew out his knee just eight seconds into Round 2 of his TKO loss to Arnold Allen last October. He was initially targeting a comeback for early 2024 after undergoing surgery.

Kattar recently sought out stem cell therapy through Bioxcellerator in Colombia, and sees the end of the year as a realistic possibility to book a fight.

“It’s definitely a possibility,” Kattar told reporters, including MMA Junkie, during a media scrum. “I’m feeling great. I’d say I’m able to train fully at this point, so just trying to train smart, ease back in, and just be ready for something hopefully by the end of the year. I feel like that’s a possibility for sure.”

Kattar has faced a string of bad luck lately. Prior to injuring his knee against Allen, he was on the wrong end of a split decision loss against Josh Emmett. His most recent win came in January 2022 when he snapped the winning streak of rising contender Giga Chikadze.

“It is a weird situation,” Kattar said. “(I’m) coming off 0-2, when really I feel like I’m 3-0. I feel like it’s a dangerous mindset for me to come back, and I always appreciate the mentality after a loss and the position I’m in with my back against the wall. I always perform at my best.

“I appreciate that opportunity, but definitely a little frustrating the way it works out – definitely pay wise. That sucks, but definitely got a lot to prove to myself more than anybody when I come back, that those two (losses) were some bullsh*t, and I have the opportunity to go make things right when I step back in there next.”