LAS VEGAS – Kelvin Gastelum is glad he won at UFC 258, even if the performance was underwhelming by his standards.
On the UFC 258 pay-per-view main card Saturday, Gastelum (17-6 MMA, 11-6 UFC) defeated Ian Henisch (14-4 MMA, 3-3 UFC) via unanimous decision. The win snapped a three-fight losing skid.
“I thought it was decent,” Gastelum told reporters at a post-fight news conference. “I did enough to get the win, but I don’t think it was anything special. … I always expect more from me because I know what I bring to the table. I know my skills. I know what I can do.”
Gastelum wouldn’t ponder too deeply as to what a victory means for his career out of fear of the emotions that might have accompanied the thoughts.
“I didn’t even want to think about it because I knew the tears would come dropping,” Gastelum said. “I don’t even want to think about it. I don’t want to get too deep into it. I’m just thankful that I got the win. I got my hand raised. I’m thankful for my team. I’m thankful for everybody that’s gotten me to this point.”
As for what’s next, Gastelum didn’t offer a formal callout. However, he’s open for a potential April 17 return should one of the UFC Fight Night headliners, either Robert Whittaker or Paulo Costa, fall out of the fight.
“I’ll have to go back and talk to my team, talk to my management, talk to Dana (White), and see what the options are from here,” Gastelum said. “I did mention if anyone steps out in the Robert Whittaker-Paulo Costa fight, I’d be willing to step up if something happens to either one of those fighters.”
UFC 258 took place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The main card aired on pay-per-view after prelims on ESPN/ESPN+.
After ‘decent’ UFC 258 win, Kelvin Gastelum staying ready for Robert Whittaker or Paulo Costa
