In a shocking turn of events at UFC Fight Night 213, Calvin Kattar’s remarkable showdown with Arnold Allen took an unexpected twist when Kattar suffered a devastating knee injury, ultimately granting Allen a TKO victory. This unforeseen development unfolded just eight seconds into the second round of their featherweight main event, which took place at the electric UFC Apex on the night of October 29, 2022.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the two fighters stepped into the octagon. Allen, boasting a stellar record of 17-1 MMA and a flawless 10-0 UFC streak, was poised to face off against Kattar, whose MMA record stood at 23-7 with a UFC record of 7-5. Fans and experts alike were eagerly awaiting this high-stakes clash.
The first round of the fight began as a feeling-out process, with both fighters gauging each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Allen initiated the exchange by landing a couple of low kicks, while Kattar showcased his precision with a relentless jab. Kattar managed to connect with a one-two combination, but Allen promptly fired back with a sharp left cross, signaling that he was no pushover.
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As the round progressed, Allen surged forward with a fierce combination, tagging Kattar with clean shots. Notably, Allen’s left hand found a home in Kattar’s defense, making an impact. Attempting to turn the tide, Kattar went for a daring jumping knee strike, but fate took an unexpected turn as he landed awkwardly, causing a distressing injury to his right knee. Despite this painful setback, Kattar’s determination enabled him to survive the round.
The agony of Kattar’s injury was palpable, but he showed incredible resilience when the cage side physician assessed his condition. Kattar conveyed his readiness to continue the battle. However, in a cruel twist of fate, just seconds into the second round, Allen executed a precise calf kick to Kattar’s left leg. Unable to bear weight on his injured right leg, Kattar fell to the canvas, leaving no option for referee Herb Dean but to call off the fight.
This unfortunate turn of events left everyone, both inside and outside the octagon, stunned. What was poised to be a thrilling showdown ended in an anticlimactic TKO win for Arnold Allen. UFC fans and experts alike were left in disbelief as they witnessed the unfolding drama.
Arnold Allen, who remained unbeaten in the UFC, seized the microphone in the post-fight moment. With confidence, he requested an interim title shot, given the current featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, was gearing up for a challenge in a higher weight class, aiming to claim a second belt. Allen’s aspirations for an interim title added another layer of intrigue to the aftermath of the night’s unforgettable contest.
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In a sport where uncertainty is the only constant, the unexpected can become the defining narrative, as it did in the case of Calvin Kattar’s untimely knee injury, turning the tide of his battle with Arnold Allen at UFC Fight Night 213. While fans may have been denied a conclusive victor in this thrilling matchup, they were treated to a display of sheer determination and resilience from both fighters. The aftermath promises further excitement, as Arnold Allen sets his sights on an interim featherweight title, eager to make his mark in the UFC’s highly competitive arena.
