Kelvin Gastelum on next fight – “Loser packs, and goes home and doesn’t sign with the UFC”
Former UFC title contender Kelvin Gastelum feels he absolutely has to earn a win this Saturday when he meets Daniel Rodriguez at UFC on ABC 6 in Saudi Arabia.
The Ultimate Fighter Season 18 winner currently holds a pro MMA record of 18-9 and has had both weight and medical issues plague him over his near 12-year tenure in the UFC. In his last 10 fights with the promotion, the 32-year-old Gastelum has gone 4-6.
“I feel like my back’s up against the wall a little bit – things have wanted the way I’ve wanted them to in my career lately,” Gastelum told MMA Junkie reporter Mike Bohn on Tuesday. “This one does feel a little different. I need a win. I’m in a must-win situation. I think both of us. I think loser goes home. Loser packs and goes home and doesn’t sign with the UFC.”
Rodriguez (17-4) has lost two of his last three bouts. His last recorded win was in September 2022, a split decision over Jingliang Li.
The June 22 fight takes place at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
