It may not be the most interesting bout of UFC 214, but Andre Fili versus Calvin Kattar is still a good opportunity for fight fans to make a bit of cash with a clever bet.
In truth, neither fighter is up there with the best in their division. They are miles away from the likes of Max Holloway, Frankie Edgar and Jose Aldo. These guys are much closer in class to Artem Lobov than they are Cub Swanson.
Fili is on an inconsistent streak, where he seems to pick-up a loss after every win. With that sort of form, he will never put together a good enough run to get a shot at the title. It’s probably for the best too, as he would be completely outclassed against the elite in the game.
Kattar has never fought at this level before, but has looked impressive in other promotions. It is always interesting to see how the non-elite form translates on the bigger stage. Will he be able to make the step up, or will it be too much?
Fili’s form?
Fili has lost two of his last four fights and he hasn’t looked like a fighter that is improving in any of them. It seems that the fighter lost a great deal of his confidence after losing to Max Holloway. Holloway submitted him in the third round of that fight and although he has got back in the win column since, he hasn’t looked the same fighter.
Fili needs to forget about that loss and move on with his career, or he will be forever caught in this limbo between being good, but just not quite good enough.
Kattar’s form
Kattar is on an eight fight winning streak and has looked good in each one of those bouts. That being said, none of them were at the elite level and the UFC is guaranteed to be a massive step-up.
Dana White seems to really believe in this fighter and if Dana White believes in you, then you must have some decent qualities. His last six fights have all finished by decision, so it should be noted that Kattar is more in the Dominic Cruz style, than he is the Cody Garbrandt – he is more likely to wear you down and use his skillset, than he is to knock you out.
News
Kattar has stepped-in for the injured Dooho Choi. Fans will be disappointed that they will not be getting to see Dohoo Choi, but Kattar should not let that get to him. He is probably the better fighter here and if he stays composed, then he should get the victory.
However, better fighters than him have crumbled under pressure, so he will have to be able to deal with a much bigger spotlight than he is used to having.
Betting
We think that the Boston man will get the job done and we are surprised to see him at such a large price. Ladbrokes are offering 11/4 on a Kattar win. This may not be the fight of the night, but that is certainly our bet of the night.
We would have had Kattar as favourite, yet due to his short fight camp and relative anonymity he is a massive underdog. Get your money on, because this may be your chance to earn a big bank roll for the main event later in the night.