Preview: UFC 223 ‘Nurmagomedov vs. Iaquinta’

Featherweights

Renato Carneiro (11-1-1) vs. Calvin Kattar (18-2)

THE ODDS: Kattar (-120), Moicano (+100)

ANALYSIS: Two of the best jabs at 145 pounds will duke it out prior to the title doubleheader. Kattar has been absolutely sublime in two underdog appearances on the big stage, outpointing Andre Fili on short notice before flattening the previously unbeaten Shane Burgos. “The Boston Finisher” has been doing the damage with his hands. He can fight equally well moving forward or backward, using tight lateral movement and pivots to keep himself off the fence. His lead left provides him with a varied and dangerous weapon. His jab is a jackhammer that he can fire at any time, all while doubling or tripling up on the punch. Kattar also uses it to set up his long cross. Witness the crushing straight right he landed on Burgos when he bounced back and then stepped in with it behind a jab. The finishing sequence of uppercuts showed off his underrated power and shocking accuracy, as well. However, the Team Sityodtong rep is not limited to just long straight punches. He can switch stances and likes to batter the inside leg and body with kicks when he alternates to southpaw. Kattar showed off his wrestling in the Fili fight, stuffing the Team Alpha Male fighter’s shots and working in a pair of late-round takedowns of his own.

That diversity and flexibility will be key against Carneiro. The Brazilian is coming off a loss to top contender Brian Ortega, albeit in an absolute barnburner in which he outlanded “T-City” by 40 significant strikes. “Moicano” has a blistering jab of his own. He utilized it to frustrate Jeremy Stephens -- a victory that looks even more impressive in hindsight, with Stephens making his own run at top-contender status. Rather than get on his bike against Ortega, though, he stood toe-to-toe and landed hard and often. Carneiro throws at a high rate, fires in combination and mixes in a diverse array of kicks, including quick switch kicks for which opponents are not prepared mid-combination. This is all before getting to his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, which he used to make his bones during his ascent to the UFC. Carneiro actually has the wrestling chops to open up his grappling, whether shooting doubles or hitting trips from inside. The Constrictor Team standout lives up to his camp’s name, as his back-takes and rear-naked chokes are not to be trifled with.

I have slept on Kattar twice and been burned badly for it both times. Maybe that is influencing the pick here. His takedown defense and distance management should enable him to keep this bout on the feet, where he has an edge. His defense and footwork are superior; he can go backwards without turning away or shutting down his offense; and his punches in the pocket are tighter and more accurate. Kattar takes an entertaining decision in a sleeper pick for “Fight of the Night.”

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