Featherweight contender Calvin Kattar is in prime shape and ready for the fray once again as he prepares to face hard-hitting fellow contender Josh Emmett at UFC Fight Night 208 on June 18.

Kattar and Emmett are scheduled to clash in the main event at the newly-built Moody Center in Austin, Texas, and Kattar said he’s expecting a tough scrap with a fighter who is cut from a similar cloth to his own.

Kattar is looking to continue his recovery following his decision defeat by Max Holloway in January last year. He rebounded in style with a thrilling decision victory over Giga Chikadze in the main event of UFC on ESPN 32 in January this year. Now he’s looking to build another win streak by adding Emmett’s name to his record.

But he’ll face a tough test against Team Alpha Male’s Emmett, who is riding a four-fight win streak that includes wins over Michael Johnson, Mirsad Bektic, Shane Burgos and Dan Ige.

“Yeah, tough competitor, contender climbing up the ranks,” he told Jon Anik.

“He’s been through it all in this division and always looking for the finish, like myself, so it’s gonna make for one hell of a main event.”

Kattar was part of the New England Cartel team that cornered Rob Font in his main event defeat to Marlon Vera at UFC on ESPN 35 this past weekend. But the team’s attention will be fully on him as he gets set for his pivotal clash with Emmett on June 18.

“Just focusing on myself man, you know? I think Josh will show up on fight night, but you can never really bank on the opponent. Anything can happen to any of these guys.

“So I just focus on myself, improving the strengths and the weaknesses, and just come ready for fight night, whoever steps across from me that night.”

UFC Fight Night 208: Announced Bouts

  • Calvin Kattar vs. Josh Emmett
  • Julian Marquez vs. Gregory Rodrigues
  • Phil Hawes vs. Deron Winn
  • Roman Dolidze vs. Kyle Daukaus
  • Jasimine Jasudavicius vs. Natalia Silva
  • Damir Ismagulov vs. Guram Kutateladze
  • JP Buys vs. Cody Durden
  • Cody Stamann vs. Eddie Wineland
  • Court McGee vs. Jeremiah Wells
  • Kevin Holland vs. Tim Means