Kelvin Gastelum was not initially enthusiastic about fighting Joe Pyfer this weekend.
This Saturday, Gastelum will face Pyfer in a featured main card fight at UFC Mexico City. This marks Gastelum`s return to the Octagon following his victory over Daniel Rodriguez in Saudi Arabia last year. That previous fight had complications as it was originally scheduled as a welterweight bout but had to be changed to middleweight due to weight issues. Gastelum assures that such problems are behind him, stating his focus is now firmly on the middleweight division.
“Yes, 185 pounds is my weight class,” Gastelum stated at the UFC Mexico City media day. “And I feel good about it. My best career moments have been in this division. This is where I intend to stay. I feel comfortable, happy, and strong here. I`ve built up muscle to compete effectively with these larger fighters.”
“Previously, when competing at middleweight, I was uncertain about staying in the division long-term. I even returned to welterweight. When I contended for the title, I remained at middleweight because of my success. Now, I truly feel at home here. I am ready to deliver a great performance against top fighters. I am fully committed to this weight class.”
Despite winning The Ultimate Fighter 17 as a middleweight, Gastelum previously competed at 170 pounds with considerable success. However, weight cutting difficulties led him back to 185 pounds, where he fought Israel Adesanya for the interim title at UFC 236. Although Gastelum lost that fight by decision, it was celebrated as the 2019 Fight of the Year and will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.
Considering his achievements, Gastelum admits he was underwhelmed when the UFC proposed Joe Pyfer as his opponent for UFC Mexico City.
“Initially, I was a bit bothered by the pairing because he wasn’t the kind of opponent I was aiming for,” Gastelum explained. “He wasn’t on my radar. I was hoping for a ranked fighter, someone with a bigger profile. But I recognize this as a significant test for me. I need to start over and work my way up by facing these emerging talents, and that’s what I’m here to do. This is a new phase in my career, and I have to climb back into the rankings, starting with Joe Pyfer.”
If Gastelum defeats Pyfer, he will have numerous options for his next fight. While he isn`t actively pursuing a rematch with Israel Adesanya, his UFC Hall of Fame compatriot, Gastelum is open to the possibility if it arises.
“It’s not something I’ve been thinking about, but if it happens and the circumstances align, I’m open to it,” Gastelum said. “But it’s not something I’m actively seeking. Izzy and I have always been on good terms since our fight. He has always shown me respect, and I have no animosity towards him. However, if circumstances lead to a rematch, it’s something we would consider.”
UFC Mexico City is scheduled for this Saturday at Arena CDMX in Mexico City.
Wesley Dunham