Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia prediction, pick, start time for UFC on ESPN 70
Calvin Kattar and Steve Garcia meet Saturday on the main card of UFC on ESPN 70 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event: 2-3
UFC main cards, 2025: 64-48-1
Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia UFC on ESPN 70 preview
Kattar (23-9 MMA, 7-7 UFC) needs to snap out of the worst stretch of his career, as he enters on a four-fight skid. The last victory for Kattar, 37, came against Giga Chikadze in January 2022. Since then, he has recorded losses against Josh Emmett, Arnold Allen, Aljamain Sterling and Youssef Zalal – which is a very strong lineup of opposition. ... Conversely, Garcia (17-5 MMA, 6-2 UFC) comes in hot on a five-fight winning streak, all by stoppage. On his current run, Garcia finished Chase Hooper, Shaylian Nuerdanbieke, Melquizael Costa, Seung Woo Choi and Kyle Nelson.
Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia UFC on ESPN 70 expert pick, prediction
Despite the UFC matchmakers continually dropping the ball on their card formats, I guess I should just be grateful that they at least go the best fights on the main card – and this battle between Calvin Kattar and Steve Garcia is one of them.
Although some very defensible caveats contextualize some of Kattars losses in this latest losing streak, there's no denying that New England Cartel alum has been missing more than a step in recent years.
Garcia, on the other hand, has been on a borderline all-time knockout streak after knocking out his opponent in his last five fights, earning MMA Junkie's Under the Radar Fighter of the Year.
Outside of being a dangerous southpaw, Garcia is also one of the few fighters who can match Kattar in the elbow department.
Both men have deceptively experienced regional runs and have never shied away from wars, but I believe that Kattar, despite his notorious durability, is undeniably the man with more years and mileage in this matchup – and that could bode badly for him.
Moreover, Kattar, who officially stands at 0-1 opposite UFC-level lefties (losing to Arnold Allen), has traditionally struggled with southpaw kicks and crosses due to his boxing-centric guard and stance.
It's an undeniable step up for Garcia, but I'll stick with the "Mean Machine" as a youth pick in this potential crossroads fight.
The pick is Garcia to force a stoppage via strikes by Round 2.
Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia UFC on ESPN 70 odds
The oddsmakers and the public slightly favor the younger fighter, listing Garcia -150 and Kattar +118 via FanDuel.
Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia UFC on ESPN 70 start time, how to watch
Kattar and Garcia are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 10:40 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts live on ESPN and ESPN+.
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