Kelvin Gastelum has yet to make his welterweight debut in the UFC. After announcing his move down to 170, Gastelum has been faced with numerous injuries. However, it appears as though he is finally ready to throw down and begin his welterweight journey.
Previously, Gastelum took on Chris Curtis at UFC 287 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. On the night, Kelvin bested ‘The Action Man’ and won the fight via unanimous decision. Having lost back-to-back fights to Jared Cannonier and Robert Whittaker, it was a big win for the former interim championship contender. Following that, Gastelum announced that he would be moving down to 170.
Don’t worry about me. You worry about yourself and sign this contract.
I’ll be ready Dec 16th! Let’s make a nice war! https://t.co/C6DKBN0avl— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) September 22, 2023
Having been paired up to face Shavkat Rakhmonov, the fight has seen a heavy delay. With that said, it appears as though both fighters are close to signing on for the fight to now take place at UFC 296 at the end of the year. Responding to Rakhmonov on X, Gastelum stated his conditions for the fight. “Don’t worry about me. You worry about yourself and sign this contract. I’ll be ready Dec 16th! Let’s make a nice war!”
While Rakhmonov has wanted to fight at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi and UFC 295, it seems that he will finally get his chance on December 16th. Understandably, the Kazakhstan-based fighter is a little antsy for his next fight. Having demolished Geoff Neal in his last outing, Shavkat has the wind in his sails and wants to be active. Although the wait has been long, Rakhmonov will be ready to pick up where he left off.
Why has Kelvin Gastelum vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov been delayed?
For those unaware, Kelvin was meant to lock horns with Shavkat Rakhmonov at the Noche UFC that took place on September 16, 2023. Unfortunately, Kelvin suffered an open fracture in his nose while sparring. Announcing that his fight with Shavkat was off, Kelvin tended to his injury, trying to recover as soon as possible. As such, he has managed to make a rather quick recovery from this one and is already targeting a fight.
For the most part, Gastelum has had a horrific injury record over the years. Earlier this year, Kelvin Gastelum pulled out of his bout against Nassourdine Imavov due to a gruesome mouth injury. Then, three months later, Gastelum made his return with a win against Chris Curtis. Now, three months removed from when he was meant to fight, Gastelum looks set to make his welterweight debut.
Breaking news 🚨
Unfortunately I received an injury and my fight with Shavkat Rakhmonov off/delayed
Full video on my YouTube channel. pic.twitter.com/NXxvHjU54U— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) August 1, 2023
While Gastelum has often stated that he has moved to 170 to be a champion, it will be a difficult task considering the state of the division. Now, more than ever before, the welterweight division has some of the best talents. Along with mainstays like Leon Edwards, Colby Covington, and Kamaru Usman, there is a boatload of fresh talent in the pool. Notably, Shavkat is also one of those newcomers who is tearing it up in the division.
Having bested the likes of Geoff Neal and Neil Magny already, ‘Nomad’ looks destined to go to the top. As for Gastelum, he will have to go on a fairytale run if he wants to reach his goal of being a champion. Although he also has some notable achievements on his resume, Gastelum will hope to pull off something truly sensational in the next few years.