MMA News Roundup: Dustin Poirier might call it quits, Robert Whittaker looking to bounce back from defeat - 8th November 2019

#4 Calvin Kattar seems to be enjoying his big underdog story

Calvin Kattar

As his main event bout against Zabit Magomedsharipov in the latter's hometown of Moscow, Russia at UFC Fight Night 163 inches closer, Calvin Kattar is only gaining in confidence. Kattar is really enjoying being pitted against the crowd-favorite heading into the fight which is evident by his recent antics at the open workouts in Moscow.

At the event, Kattar drew the ire of the Russian crowd by pretending to kick at a backdrop display with Magomedsharipov's face on it. Kattar claimed that he will earn the respect of the crowd after beating the Dagestani fighter on Saturday.

“I feed off this (expletive). I know the Russians have a big fight fan-base out here and I want to earn every last one of them before I go back to the U.S.” (h/t Sportskeeda)

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#3 Firas Zahabi picks Jorge Masvidal over Conor McGregor

Jorge Masvidal

With Conor McGregor and Jorge Masvidal trading barbs at each other, speculation is rife that the pair might step inside the Octagon on the Notorious One's return to MMA. McGregor recently said that he wanted a 'three-piece and a soda' served to him, taking a jibe at the recently crowned 'BMF' title holder Masvidal.

Head Coach of Tristar MMA, Firas Zahabi has predicted that in a match-up between Conor McGregor and Masvidal, Gamebred would surely have his hands raised if he manages to make it past the first couple of rounds against the Irishman.

While he hailed McGregor as the 'best puncher' in the UFC, he said that he would put his money on Masvidal in a fight between the pair as the new BMF titleholder is simply too big and strong for McGregor. He further stated that Masvidal just needs to weather the storm in the first two rounds, after which he would dominate Conor.

“I think (Masvidal) beats McGregor. I think McGregor is a great fighter. I just think Masvidal is too big. He’s a great puncher and has a great chin. If he takes McGregor past the two rounds, it’s going to be the Masvidal show. I think he’s very smart. I’m not saying McGregor has no chance of winning, but he’d have to win early and he’d have to connect with the left — and everybody kind of knows now what McGregor does. I think Masvidal’s gonna have a really good game plan, come prepared, and he’s a lot bigger." (h/t Sportskeeda)