Kelvin Gastelum hopes win over Jared Cannonier at UFC Vegas 34 springboards him closer to middleweight title shot
Former TUF winner Kelvin Gastelum hopes a win over Jared Cannonier at UFC Vegas 34 will springboard him closer to a middleweight title shot.
Gastelum is coming off of a unanimous decision loss to Robert Whittaker back in April, but when Paulo Costa fell out of his main event fight against Cannonier at UFC Vegas 34, the Kings MMA representative took the opportunity to jump back into the cage. Given Gastelum has lost four of his last five fights, the chance to fight the No. 3 ranked middleweight in Cannonier is a huge opportunity for Gastelum to get back in the win column and jump back into the top-five.
Speaking to Combate’s Evy Rodrigues ahead of UFC Vegas 34, Gastelum explained how important this fight with Cannonier is to his career because he believes a win will get him closer to the title.
“This victory can put me where I know I am, in the top-five of the division. I know I’m one of the best, and possibly (may) even fight for the title. But my focus is Jared Cannonier and I will do everything to win this fight,” Gastelum said.
As far as the matchup with Cannonier goes, Gastelum knows it won’t be an easy one by any means. Although Gastelum has far more overall experience than Cannonier does in the Octagon, remember, Gastelum has fought as low as the welterweight division, while Cannonier is a former heavyweight. Gastelum knows his opponent will be big and strong but he’s confident he wins.
“He’s a very strong guy, very big, but technically I know I’ve tried everything inside the Octagon. Whatever style comes, I have an answer for everything, and I’m prepared for whatever comes. I’m expecting a really tough fight, but any fight in the top-five is tough,” Gastelum said.
Do you think Kelvin Gastelum will pull off the upset against Jared Cannonier at UFC Vegas 34?
