While we would have loved to see him on the main card, the main event on the preliminary card is not a bad spot either! Kelvin Gastelum will make his return to the Octagon against Chris Curtis this weekend at UFC 287 in Miami, Florida.
Kelvin Gastelum is on a two-fight losing skid, having lost to Jared Cannonier and Robert Whittaker in each of his last two fights. He is 1-5 in his last six outings inside the Octagon. Meanwhile, Chris Curtis will step inside the Octagon on the heels of a vicious KO win over Joaquin Buckley. It’s an exciting matchup between two fighters who like to stand on their feet and exchange. So who will get the better of the other? Let’s find out.
Chris Curtis vs Kelvin Gastelum stats
| Stats | Chris Curtis | Kelvin Gastelum |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 30 | 17 |
| Losses | 9 | 8 |
| Height | 1.78 m | 1.75 m |
| Division | Middleweight | Middleweight |
| Reach | 192 cm | 180 cm |
| Age | 35 | 31 |
Chris Curtis vs Kelvin Gastelum prediction
It might come as a surprise to many that Chris Curtis is four years older than Kelvin Gastelum, who is the younger but more experienced fighter going into the fight. It’s hard to ignore the amount of damage Gastelum has taken over the course of his decorated mixed martial arts journey, but Kelvin Gastelum will most likely turn things around this weekend. Why do we say that? Because it’s Chris Curtis.
Taking nothing away from Chris Curtis, who has been absolutely incredible and has shown an all-around skill set, is nothing Kelvin Gastelum hasn’t seen before. Curtis’ biggest strength lies in his toughness and his conditioning. Having said that, he is not your extremely efficient striker who can turn things around with his elusive footwork or vicious knockout power. However, he is persistent and always on the hunt for a stoppage win. And that makes him really dangerous.
“I’m looking to steal the night.”
Kelvin Gastelum (@KelvinGastelum) wants to put on a “banger of a fight” for fight fans attending #UFC287 🔊🆙
— UFC News (@UFCNews) April 5, 2023
Kelvin Gastelum, in comparison, is almost similar. With great takedown defense and a penchant to engage in a brutal slugfest, Curtis vs. Gastelum is a fan’s delight. And while the losses reflect poorly and more evidently on Gastelum’s record, Curtis lacks experience and has yet to make an impact that separates him from the rest. As for Kelvin Gastelum, we have seen what he can do both on the feet and on the ground.
Gastelum last entered the Octagon in August 2021. Having not fought in more than 18 months, the least fans have to be worried about is ring rust. For someone like Gastelum, who has fought the who’s who of the division, it will be easier said than done against Chris Curtis.
If he can mix in his wrestling and close the distance, we think Gastelum gets the job done this weekend. However, he would need more than just striking to do that.
Chris Curtis vs Kelvin Gastelum prediction: Kelvin Gastelum via Unanimous Decision
