Steve Garcia continued his ascent in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s featherweight division on Saturday, defeating former title contender Calvin Kattar by unanimous decision at UFC Nashville. All three judges scored the three-round contest 30-27, reflecting the Albuquerque fighter’s control from the opening bell at Bridgestone Arena. Garcia, 31, entered the bout on a five-fight finishing streak and, while unable to secure a stoppage, dropped Kattar with a left hand in the third round and out-landed him throughout to improve his professional record to 17-5. The victory extends his winning run to six and strengthens his case for a ranked opponent next. Kattar, 36, once viewed as a perennial contender at 145 pounds, falls to 23-9 and has now lost five straight. The Massachusetts native’s skid raises questions about his future with the promotion, which had listed Garcia as a −150 favorite against Kattar’s +118 underdog line.