Kelvin Gastelum takes the unanimous decision victory over Chris Curtis as the pair put on an amazing fight at UFC 287.
Before the Fight
Chris Curtis
Entering the UFC recently after a long career elsewhere, Curtis has taken his opportunity with both hands. A veteran of MMA in his career he has racked up an impressive 30-9 record. After retiring and unretiring Curtis finally got his chance to compete in MMA’s premium organisation.
Since making his first walk to the octagon Chris has gone 4-1 in the UFC. Currently ranked #14th at middleweight Curtis looks to build on his impressive display last time out. Sensationally defeating Joaquin Buckley via KO in the second.
Kelvin Gastelum
Finally back healthy and ready to return, the career of Gastelum has been a wild one. From weight misses to short notice bout, to almost claiming interim gold. Gastelum has faced a who’s who of the toughest at 170 and 185. This sees his record sit at 17-8.
Currently ranked just inside the top of the middleweight contender at #15th. In his last five Kelvin hasn’t been at his best going 1-4. To his credit two of these were short-notice bouts and all losses were against tough competition. With three going the distance.
The Fight
Round 1
Gastelum wastes no time storming the centre. The pair trade leg kicks but it’s Kelvin who lands more. A one-two lands flush for Curtis which sends Gastelum spiralling backwards. Kelvin recovers well and begins to mount an offence of his own. Two over hands from each hand land well for Kelvin.
Curtis looks to push forward and lands a nice combination mixing the head and body. Kelvin responds with a slick combo of his own. Chris’ head movement is working well to prevent the power of Gastelum landing flush.
Round 2
Kelvin keeps his movement sharp as he enters the second. Curtis looks to counteract this with heavy hands. Both men are swinging big but to no avail. A headbutt lands which sees Gastelum take the back of Curtis. Kelvin lands heavy blows but Chris regains his feet.
Both men land huge strikes but somehow neither shows effect. Kelvin is head hunting as Curtis looks to dig into the body. Gastelum has been non-stop moving since the opening bell. As Chris pushes forward his defence has opened up, but he’s landing more.
Round 3
No slowing down as the third round commences. Gastelum’s lateral movement is key to his offensive success. This fight has turned into a dog fight as both look to impose their will in a close fight.
A huge uplift sees Curtis land bombs as the round comes to a close. With knees, kicks and hands landing to the thought Kelvin Gastelum. What a fight.
Kelvin Gastelum takes the fight via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-27).
What’s next for Kelvin Gastelum after that amazing fight at UFC 287?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
