Welterweights collide… at middleweight.
It’s a short-notice change-up for Kelvin Gastelum and Daniel Rodriguez after Gastelum pushed for 185lbs after what was an apparently bad training camp and weight cut. But, the show goes on with Rodriguez accepting the fight, taking a percentage out of “The Ultimate Fighter” 17 Champion’s purse at UFC Saudi Arabia.
Gastelum, 32, has had a rough run in the Octagon as of late, going 2-5 since narrowly losing to Israel Adesanya in 2019. The former interim title challenger recently returned to welterweight where he was submitted by Sean Brady last December. Gastelum will look to bounce back with a win over acquaintance Daniel Rodriguez.
“D-Rod” has dropped his last two fights after what was a very strong start for him in the UFC. The 37 year-0ld’s resume includes wins over big names such as Kevin Lee and Mike Perry and he’ll look to add Gastelum’s to his with a win across the world.
Round 1:
Rodriguez and Gastelum set a high pace to begin their fight, mixing it up in the striking department. D-Rod establishes the jab. Gastelum tries to close the distance but doesn’t find much success. Gastelum lands a few leg kicks. D-Rod works the jab. Gastelum goes to the body looking to land something over the top. Jab lands for Gastelum. Gastelum throws more leg kicks. D-Rod loads up on his punches but doesn’t land. Gastelum outboxes Rodriguez in an exchange. Gastelum fires a leg kick. Rodriguez works the body with punches. Rodriguez lands a clean left hand after targeting the body. Gastelum lands body shots of his own. Gastelum lands a series of left hands that clip Rodriguez.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Gastelum
Round 2:
D-Rod throws a lot of shots to the body. Gastelum does a good job of avoiding strikes from Rodriguez. Rodriguez’s jabs don’t land but finally connects on Gastelum with a combo. Rodriguez finds more success with his punches. Gastelum stands his ground, catches his breath and snags a takedown on Rodriguez against the cage. Rodriguez eats a knee to the body on his way back up to his feet. Gastelum pumps out the jab and then follows it up with body shots. “D-Rod” lands a combo on Gastelum. Gastelum staggers Rodriguez with a leg kick. Rodriguez lands a jab to the body. Rodriguez tags Gastelum with a few punches. Rodriguez clips Gastelum with a 1-2. Gastelum takes D-Rod down to the ground right before the bell sounds.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Gastelum
Round 3:
Gastelum and Rodriguez are both sharpshooters early on in round 3. Rodriguez catches Gastelum with a good combo. Gastelum attempts a takedown which is denied by Rodriguez with ease. Leg kick lands for Gastelum. Rodriguez and Gastelum continue to box on the feet. Gastelum comes forward at Rodriguez, getting a takedown right next to the cage. Gastelum obtains side control on D-Rod on the ground. Gastelum advances position, landing some ground and pound shots before letting Rodriguez back to the feet. Gastelum times a takedown on Rodriguez and gets it to the end the round on top.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Gastelum (total score: 30-27 Gastelum)
Official result: Kelvin Gastelum defeats Daniel Rodriguez via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Check out the highlights below:
.@KelvinGastelum se lleva el duelo latino por decisión unánime💪 #UFCSaudiArabia #RiyadhSeason | @RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/7u7NDg6NGb
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) June 22, 2024
Got it done! 😤@KelvinGastelum earns the Unanimous Decision victory over Daniel Rodriguez#UFCSaudiArabia | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/fakNfiOyfc
— UFC (@ufc) June 22, 2024
"I'm not a perfect person, I always try to be better" 🙏
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) June 22, 2024
Kelvin Gastelum ain't done yet! 👊#UFCSaudiArabia | LIVE on TNT Sports & discovery+ pic.twitter.com/VWteXzlRyr
