UFC on ESPN 70: Calvin Kattar vs Steve Garcia

On July 12, 2025, UFC on ESPN 70 in Nashville played host to a highly anticipated featherweight bout between veteran striker Calvin Kattar and rising knockout artist Steve Garcia. Kattar entered the fight with a storied UFC career behind him, having once challenged for the featherweight title but recently enduring a difficult five-fight losing streak. Determined to halt that slide and remind the division of his technical skill and toughness, Kattar faced a stern test in Garcia, who arrived riding the momentum of five consecutive wins. Garcia’s aggressive style, combined with his finishing ability and striking creativity, made him a dangerous prospect eager to prove he belonged among the featherweight elite.

From the opening bell, the fight unfolded as a classic clash of styles. Garcia wasted no time pressing forward, using relentless pressure and a varied striking arsenal that included powerful body shots, spinning kicks, and sharp oblique kicks aimed at disrupting Kattar’s balance and rhythm. His aggressive approach prevented Kattar from settling into his signature technical boxing game, constantly forcing the veteran to fight off the back foot. Despite Kattar’s experience and attempts to counter with precise jabs and left hooks, Garcia’s volume and pace proved overwhelming. The Frenchman’s spinning head kick in the middle rounds visibly tested Kattar’s defense, while consistent leg strikes further sapped the veteran’s mobility. Kattar showed his trademark resilience by continuing to press forward despite absorbing punishment, but he was unable to regain control or mount significant offense as the fight progressed.

After three grueling rounds, the judges awarded a unanimous decision victory to Steve Garcia, all scoring it 30–27 in his favor. This marked Garcia’s sixth consecutive UFC win and solidified his emergence as a top contender in the featherweight division. The dominant performance showcased Garcia’s ability to impose his will against a veteran with proven striking pedigree and demonstrated his evolution into a more well-rounded and strategic fighter. With this victory, Garcia is now firmly on the radar for potential matchups with higher-ranked opponents, inching closer to the featherweight title picture. Meanwhile, for Calvin Kattar, the loss underscored the challenges he faces to adapt within a division that has become faster and more dynamic. Although his technical skills and toughness remain undeniable, Kattar will need to make adjustments if he hopes to reverse his fortunes and remain relevant at the elite level.

Overall, the bout between Steve Garcia and Calvin Kattar at UFC on ESPN 70 was a compelling display of youth and aggression overcoming veteran savvy. Garcia’s relentless pressure, varied striking, and ability to maintain pace for three rounds earned him a decisive and impressive victory. For Kattar, it was a tough setback but also a moment to reflect and recalibrate in a rapidly evolving featherweight landscape. This fight not only enhanced Garcia’s rising profile but also provided fans with an exciting, action-packed contest that emphasized the shifting dynamics of the featherweight division.