UFC middleweight Kelvin Gastelum is promising a brand-new version of himself ahead of the spotlight of the UFC Vegas 34 main event.
Kelvin Gastelum has always been one of the most respected competitors in the UFC, dating back to when he beat fellow middleweight Uriah Hall to win The Ultimate Fighter: 17. He’s fought all of the best contenders in the UFC including former champions Michael Bisping, Tyron Woodley, Robert Whittaker, and the current middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya.
Despite his vast experience fighting in the UFC octagon, Gastelum feels he’s still improving in every aspect of the fight game and thinks fans should watch out for an unrecognizable version of himself at UFC Vegas 34 against third-ranked contender Jared Cannonier.
Gastelum remains among the Top-10 middleweights in the UFC despite losing four of his last five outings, including a unanimous decision defeat to Whittaker in his last bout at UFC Vegas 24.
“This is by far one of the best camps that I’ve had,” Gastelum said during his UFC Vegas 34 pre-fight press conference. “I’ve worked on techniques and also the way to really put together a complete training camp. No one, in my opinion, has fought this version of Kelvin Gastelum; and I’m very excited to showcase this.”
Gastelum faces a tough test in Cannonier; who has been widely regarded as the dark horse of the middleweight division for years, including by the champion Adesanya. Cannonier had won three straight bouts before falling to Whittaker in his last fight at UFC 254 and was originally scheduled to fight former title challenger Paulo Costa before he had to switch opponents on short notice due to Costa’s recent injury woes.
Kelvin Gastelum remains one of the toughest matchups in the middleweight division
Gastelum remains on the outside looking in when it comes to the UFC middleweight title picture, with Adesanya expected to face Whittaker in a title rematch at a later date and Costa facing Marvin Vettori later this year. But, a short-notice win over Cannonier could catapult Gastelum right back into the title discussion and a possible rematch with either Adesanya or Whittaker down the line.
The middleweight division will take center stage at UFC Vegas 34, and Gastelum has a legitimate opportunity to make a name for himself as he enters the prime of his career.
UFC Vegas 34 takes place on Aug. 21, 2021, live from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, NV. Follow along with FanSided for all your live news and highlights.
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