Calvin Kattar vs. Jeremy Stephens in the works for UFC 249
UFC 249 is on the verge of gaining another big matchup.
The promotion is targeting featherweights Calvin Kattar and Jeremy Stephens to face off in an April 18 bout in Brooklyn, N.Y.
MMA Junkie confirmed the news with multiple persons with knowledge of the situation after an initial report from MMA Fighting. The persons asked for anonymity since the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.
Earlier this month, Kattar (20-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) and Stephens (28-17 MMA, 15-16 UFC) verbally agreed to fight March 7 at UFC 248. However, Stephens suffered an undisclosed injury before the fight was finalized.
Kattar (20-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) is coming off a narrow loss in his first UFC headliner. He suffered a decision loss to Zabit Magomedsharipov at UFC on ESPN+ 21 in November. Prior to that fight Kattar, 31, had won 12 of 13.
Stephens (28-17 MMA, 15-16 UFC) is currently riding a four-fight winless skid. “Lil’ Heathen” hasn’t won since a knockout of Josh Emmett at UFC on FOX 28 in February 2018 and has droped fights to Yair Rodriguez, Magomedsharipov and Jose Aldo since then.
UFC 249 takes place April 18 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims expected for ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.
With the addition, the UFC 249 lineup now includes:
- Champ Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson – for lightweight title
- Jessica Andrade vs. Rose Namajunas
- Uriah Hall vs. Ronaldo Souza
- Ben Rothwell vs. Gian Villante
- Ottman Azaitar vs. Khama Worthy
- Calvin Kattar vs. Jeremy Stephens
