Kelvin Gastelum is devastated about suffering the quickest loss of his career on Saturday against Jack Hermansson.
Gastelum (15-6 MMA, 10-6 UFC) succumbed to a wild heel hook from Hermansson (21-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) just 78 seconds into their middleweight co-main event at UFC on ESPN+ 30, which took place at Flash Forum at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. With the outcome, “The Ultimate Fighter 17” winner now finds himself on a three-fight skid.
This is unchartered territory for Gastelum, who in April 2019 came extremely close to winning the interim 185-pound in an all-time battle with Israel Adesanya at UFC 236. He was clearly saddened by the loss to Hermansson, and expressed as much in a statement on social media (via Instagram):
Truly embarrassed guys. I’m sorry. My team, my family @UFC @danawhite @Mickmaynard2. I’m much better than what was shown tonight. Thanks to all my family , my team and my friends for the ongoing support. I love you all.
You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so u can know who u are, what u can rise from, how u can still come out of it.
Gastelum vowed to prevail from the challenging situation, and it appears he has the support of his promoter. UFC president Dana White chimed in with a comment on Gastelum’s post, telling the fight it was “all good” and “you’ll be back.”
That, at least, is a uplifting message for Gastelum, who finds himself in a difficult spot.
Kelvin Gastelum 'truly embarrassed' by quick loss to Jack Hermansson at UFC on ESPN+ 30
