UFC action takes centre stage this weekend, as the upcoming UFC Fight Night card is headlined by a middleweight bout between Jared Cannonier and Kelvin Gastelum. It should be a frantic main event between the two fighters, but which of the middleweights will claim victory at the UFC Apex this weekend?
Jared Cannonier vs Kelvin Gastelum Schedule
- When: Saturday, 21st August
- Where: UFC Apex
- How To Watch: ESPN+
Jared Cannonier vs Kelvin Gastelum Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jared Cannonier | -150 |
| Kelvin Gastelum | +130 |
| Total Rounds | Odds |
|---|---|
| Over 4.5 Rounds | -110 |
| Under 4.5 Rounds | -120 |
Jared Cannonier vs Kelvin Gastelum Preview
Tale of the Tape
| Jared Cannonier | Kelvin Gastelum | |
|---|---|---|
| 37 | Age | 29 |
| 13-5 | Record | 16-7 (1NC) |
| 5 ft 11 in | Height | 5 ft 9 in |
| 77 ½ in | Reach | 71 ½ in |
Cannonier Looking To Bounce Back
Jarden Cannonier is still the third-best ranked middleweight in the UFC, but there is a sense that a victory here is essential should he have hopes of challenging for the world title. He comes into this fight after being beaten by Robert Whittaker last time out. That fight took place at UFC 254, as he was beaten by unanimous decision in the United Arab Emirates.
The defeat ended his three fight winning streak, with all three fights being won by Cannonier by TKO. His most recent victory was in September 2019, as he beat Jack Harmansson in the second round of their contest. That means that he has now won nine of his 18 victories by knockout, with two submission wins and two decision victories making up his 13 victories inside the octagon. Another positive performance this weekend could put him in line for a title opportunity at some point down the line.
Gastelum Hoping For Improvement
It has been a disappointing couple of years in the octagon for Gastelum, as he has lost four of his last five. His only victory since April 2019 came in February of this year, as he claimed a decision victory over Ian Heinisch at UFC 258. However, he wasn’t able to back that up with another victory, as he was beaten in April by Whittaker, in a fight that was later named Fight of the Night.
It was a very impressive showing by Gastelum on that occasion, but he fell just short when it came to winning. Since his win over Ronaldo Souza in May 2018, Gastelum has been beaten by Israel Adesanya, Darren Till and Jack Hermansson, as well as Whittaker. Only one of those fights was ended within the distance, with that coming in his submission defeat against Hermansson.
Jared Cannonier vs Kelvin Gastelum Prediction
This could be a thoroughly entertaining fight on the Fight Night card at the UFC Apex. Gastelum certainly has the added advantage of being less ring-rusty, as he has already fought on two occasions this year. That could be an important factor, but it is still hard to rule out Cannonier, who will be eyeing a middleweight title opportunity at some point down the line.
Pick: Jared Cannonier
