Kelvin Gastelum plans to fight for the UFC welterweight title by the end of 2024.
On September 16, Gastelum looks to make a statement in his return to the welterweight division. The former UFC interim middleweight title challenger will be tested immediately as he’s accepted a co-main event against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov.
During an interview with The Schmo, Gastelum discussed his plans to become the 170-pound champion after defeating Rakhmonov:
“I could very well likely be fighting for the world title next year. That’s the goal. I win this fight [against Shavkat Rakhmonov]. I feel like I’m fighting the number one contender at welterweight. I feel like he is the number one contender. I don’t think there is a clear contender other than Colby… I just don’t see any clear contenders other than Shavkat, and Shavkat now has a fight with me, so I feel like this is a number one contender fight.”
Dana White has continuously labeled Colby Covington as the next UFC welterweight title challenger. Once Covington gets his opportunity against Leon Edwards, Belal Muhammad is the only fighter currently with a strong argument for a 170-pound title shot.
Therefore, Gastelum could put himself into the welterweight title conversation with a win on September 16.
Kelvin Gastelum compares his upcoming fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov to his 2019 clash with Israel Adesanya
Kelvin Gastelum received a lot of respect from fans and fighters for accepting the matchup against Shavkat Rakhmonov. ‘Nomad’ has been labeled the boogeyman of the division after winning his five UFC fights inside the distance, extending his overall record to 17-0.
During the same interview with The Schmo, Gastelum compared his upcoming challenge to his war against Israel Adesanya in 2019:
“I’m comparing it [Shavkat] to [Israel] Adesanya. When I fought Adesanya, he was another up-and-coming guy that was undefeated, rising star, kinda similar situation that I’m in now where I’m fighting Rakhmonov. He’s a rising contender, undefeated prospect, man, this is gonna be a fun fight. This is a fight challenge for me.”
Gastelum and Adesanya fought in April 2019 for the interim UFC middleweight title. After five action-paced rounds, ‘The Last Stylebender’ emerged victorious by unanimous decision. Since then, both fighters have gone their separate ways before recently sharing a moment together while attending UFC 290.
This fight game is a golden thread that binds us together forever! Respect Is earned for life. @stylebender thank you for inspiring so many including myself. 🙏👊 pic.twitter.com/QDpIbppPuZ
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) July 9, 2023
