UFC welterweight contender Sean Brady wonders if Kelvin Gastelum’s past struggles cutting down to 170lbs will continue.
Brady will make his return to the Octagon against Gastelum at the December 2nd UFC Fight Night event. He returns after falling to Belal Muhammad at UFC 280 last year.
Brady was booked for matchups with Jack Della Maddalena and Michel Pereira earlier this year before withdrawing due to injuries. Before the loss to Muhammad, he was unbeaten through 15 career fights.
Gastelum opted to make a return to 170lbs following a long run at middleweight. After falling to Israel Adesanya for the interim middleweight belt at UFC 236, he’s lost four of his last six fights but got back in the win column in his last appearance against Chris Curtis.
It’s been seven years since Gastelum was booked in a welterweight fight, and he’s aiming to prove that he can make the weight limit after a history of issues cutting pounds.
Sean Brady Wonders If Kelvin Gastelum Will Make 170lbs Again
“Hopefully there’s no trouble for him making 170, and December 2nd we’ll get to get after it.”
Sean Brady talks Kelvin Gastelum moving back down to welterweight ahead of their matchup.
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During a recent interview with MMA Today, Brady previewed his matchup with Gastelum and concerns about his opponent’s upcoming weight cut.
“He has a huge name, he’s been around forever, and he’s fought and beat some of the best guys,” Brady said. “He’s definitely a 170lber…hopefully there’s no trouble for him making 170 and we can get after it.
“He’s not that big. So if he just f***ing eats right for the next two months, he’ll be alright. Hopefully he does what he’s supposed to do, but if he missed like he did against [Tyron] Woodley, I don’t think they’ll let the fight happen.”
Gastelum weighed in at 180lbs ahead of his fight against Tyron Woodley at UFC 183. The fight was made a catchweight bout, in which he lost by split decision.
Following a win over Johny Hendricks at UFC 200, he made the full-time move to middleweight, earning wins over the likes of Michael Bisping and Ronaldo Souza.
As Gastelum prepares for his welterweight return, the speculation will likely continue regarding whether or not he’ll win on the scales. If the fight doesn’t fall through, it’s expected to be one of the most important matchups in the welterweight division to wrap up 2023.
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