Kelvin Gastelum, the ex-UFC middleweight contender, is set for his second bout of the year as he makes a return to the welterweight division to face Sean Brady. He last fought in the 170 lbs. division back in 2016 against Johny Hendricks.
Martial arts enthusiasts took notice of a recent social media post featuring Gastelum displaying his physique. Some of them pointed out that the fighter looks much slimmer than he did way back in 2016 when he used to compete in the welterweight division.
Kelvin himself has accepted in a recent interview that he feels much slimmer and lighter now and is the best version of himself after many years. “I feel great, man; I haven’t felt this great in years,” Gastelum expressed in a recent interview. “I haven’t been this skinny in years; I haven’t been this lean in years,” – he added.
Kelvin Gastelum’s last time fighting at welterweight (2016) vs. 2023 pic.twitter.com/0o2XVjhD4j
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) November 29, 2023
The 32-year-old struggled to meet the welterweight limit in several initial UFC bouts, which forced him to move up a division. Gastelum did not adhere to a rigorous diet when he wasn’t scheduled for a fight, occasionally allowing his weight to reach as high as 220 pounds. The fighter looks much smaller in size now compared to his early welterweight days.
While the former TUF winner’s early middleweight performances were generally positive, the size disparity posed challenges, particularly against larger opponents like former champion Chris Weidman.
Gastelum engaged in a thrilling bout with Israel Adesanya at UFC 236, resulting in Adesanya claiming the UFC’s interim middleweight title. Following this loss, he faced a tough period, securing only two victories in his next six fights.
Kelvin Gastelum feels he belongs in the welterweight division
Kelvin Gastelum is returning to the welterweight division, affirming his commitment to the weight class he deems his own. If we take his statement at face value, Gastelum is flourishing in the lighter of the two weight classes he has shifted between in recent years.
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Even after challenging for the middleweight title and facing challenges with weight cuts, Gastelum remained steadfast in his determination to pursue championship glory in the welterweight division. He even feels more comfortable in the 170-pound division.
“This has always been my division. I had success at middleweight, so I stayed there and stayed complacent. It didn’t work out for me in the end, so I had to get out of my comfort zone a little bit and dedicate myself to my diet a little more. This has always been my rightful weight class, man”, said Kelvin Gastelum.
Kelvin will face Sean Brady, currently ranked No. 8, who has suffered only one defeat in his professional career on December 2, coming against the No. 2-ranked contender, Belal Muhammad. Brady is eager to rebound from his loss in October of last year.