Robert Whittaker vs Kelvin Gastelum Preview
Robert Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum highlight the next UFC Fight Night, set for Saturday, April 17. The organization’s initial plan was to organize the match between Whittaker and Paulo Costa, but the Brazilian withdrew from the fight due to illness, and Gastelum stepped in. This is one of the biggest chances for him to get back to the middleweight division’s elite echelon. Unlike most replacements, Gastelum had enough time to prepare, because Costa announced his withdrawal on March 16. As for Whittaker, he’s been on his way back towards the top for quite some time, and he already posted two wins since losing the belt to Israel Adesanya.
Robert Whittaker vs Kelvin Gastelum Schedule
- Where: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
- When: Saturday, April 17, 10pm ET
- How to Watch: ESPN
Robert Whittaker vs Kelvin Gastelum Odds
| Whittaker | Gastelum |
|---|---|
| -265 | +210 |
Whittaker Hopes to Challenge Adesanya Soon
After losing against the Last Stylebender, the Reaper defeated two big names, Darren Till and Jared Cannonier. Many believed that he might get a chance to even the score with Izzy already following a victory over Cannonier. But that didn’t happen. It seems that Whittaker has to prove himself once again and to be honest, Dana White wanted to give Adesanya a chance to win the light-heavyweight title.
If he wins this match, there is no doubt that his next one will be for the title. Whittaker is currently the No.1 challenger in the division, with Costa being No.2, but the Brazilian will have to wait after missing this chance.
The Reaper was a bit more versatile in his last two fights than before, and we saw him using a bit more wrestling than usual. Though we need to add that in our opinion, he is slightly slower than before, but that might be just our impression.
Gastelum’s Bounce Back
The former Ultimate Fighter winner had a nasty streak during which he lost three fights in a row. The first one was against Adesanya in a bout for the interim middleweight division. It was a unanimous decision defeat, after which came a split decision failure against Darren Till. Following that one, Jack Hermansson managed to submit Gastelum (16-6) via heel hook.
Some seven months later, the 29-year old southpaw finally recorded a victory, against Ian Heinisch at the UFC 258. It was via unanimous decision, and it was well deserved for Gastelum.
He was more than dominant throughout all three rounds, getting in the clinch and outwrestling Heinisch. That was the most significant improvement when comparing Gastelum’s previous fights and this one. He was smart enough to implement takedowns whenever possible, securing the win pretty easily.
Robert Whittaker vs Kelvin Gastelum Pick
Our money here is on Whittaker. He is more experienced and, what is more important, a complete fighter. He will for sure have an answer to any game plan Gastelum’s corner comes up with, and keeping in mind that he knows to wrestle superbly, the rival’s biggest weapon should be neutralized. Whittaker already defeated two serious fighters before this contest, very easily, we might add. Both of those guys are much better than Gastelum.
Free Pick: Whittaker Wins
