Kelvin Gastelum fought effectively at UFC Saudi Arabia. Reverse the robust and skilled Daniel Rodriguez, Gastelum absorbed some heavy punches however by no means misplaced momentum. He managed a lot of the struggle along with his lengthy 1-2, stored a excessive work charge, after which completed sturdy by turning to his wrestling.
It was a well-rounded, veteran efficiency. Because of this, Gastelum is again within the win column, a much-needed final result after consecutive defeats. The issue, nevertheless, lies in the truth that Gastelum arrived in Riyadh so heavy that the bout was moved from Welterweight to Middleweight.
That’s a whopping 15-pound distinction.
It’s hardly the primary time Gastelum has struggled to make the Welterweight restrict. In actual fact, it’s extra just like the fifth! Making weight has been a constant subject for Gastelum since 2014, which has resulted in Gastelum spending a lot of his profession combating bigger males at 185 lbs. Although he did problem for interim gold at Middleweight, he’s additionally taken a ton of injury within the course of and struggled as of late.
UFC CEO Dana White appears fairly fed up with the state of affairs. On the UFC Saudi Arabia press convention, White was requested about Gastelum’s future, and he refused to supply any perception apart from outright irritation.
“I don’t know. I’m not thrilled with Kelvin Gastelum proper now. This man’s missed weight like thrice in his profession. You bought youngsters taking fights on per week discover, leaping off playing cards, coming over right here and making weight, then Kelvin doesn’t make weight. It’s extraordinarily disappointing.”
After the win, Gastelum has now gained two of his final 4, although he shouldn’t be thought of within the promotion’s good graces. Rodriguez, in the meantime, has misplaced three in a row, however hopefully he’s earned some credit score and job safety for willingly taking over a problem at an unplanned weight class.
