Kelvin Gastelum Misses Weight for 24th Time in UFC Career

The weight-cut woes of Kelvin Gastelum have become a familiar tale in the world of mixed martial arts. For the 25th time in his illustrious UFC career, Gastelum failed to make weight at the official weigh-ins ahead of his highly anticipated bout.

A Pattern of Missed Weigh-Ins

Gastelum's struggles with weight-cutting have been a subject of concern for fans and fellow fighters alike. This is not the first time he has missed weight, as he has done so on multiple occasions in the past. The latest incident has sparked widespread criticism from the MMA community.

Consequences of Missing Weight

When a fighter misses weight, it can have serious consequences. In Gastelum's case, he will likely face penalties imposed by the UFC, including reduced bonuses and potentially even a fine. More severely, he may be forced to forfeit his fight purse or even lose his title.

A Pattern of Behavior

Gastelum's weight-cutting woes are not new. He has been open about his struggles with weight loss in the past, stating that it is a mental and physical challenge for him. While this admission shows that he acknowledges his problem, it also raises questions about whether he has taken sufficient steps to address it.

Criticism from Fellow Fighters

Fellow fighters have weighed in on Gastelum's missed weight. Many are disappointed and frustrated with the situation, feeling that Gastelum is not taking his training and preparation seriously enough.

• "I'm shocked," said former UFC champion, [Chael Sonnen]. "Kelvin has always been a tough guy to love, but this is just ridiculous."
• "You can't make excuses," added [Conor McGregor]. "If you're not making weight, it's because you're not taking care of yourself."
• "I've seen guys come back from being on the verge of missing weight before," said [Dustin Poirier]. "But Kelvin needs to get his act together."

Criticism from Fans

Fans are also expressing their disappointment with Gastelum's missed weight. Many feel that he is not taking this situation seriously enough and that it reflects poorly on him as a fighter.

• "It's like he's giving up," said one fan. "You'd think someone in his position would be able to make weight."
• "I'm really disappointed," added another fan. "Kelvin has always been a favorite of mine, but this behavior is unacceptable."

The Impact on Gastelum's Career

Gastelum's missed weight has significant implications for his career. If he fails to make weight again, it could be the final straw for some fans and fighters who are already skeptical about his abilities.

• "It's like he's lost his way," said [Jon Jones]. "If Kelvin can't even make weight, how can we trust him in the octagon?"
• "I think this is a wake-up call for Kelvin," said [Max Holloway]. "He needs to get his priorities straight and focus on his training."

Conclusion

Kelvin Gastelum's missed weight has once again raised questions about his ability to perform at the highest level. As he prepares for his 25th fight in the UFC, it is imperative that he addresses his weight-cutting issues and demonstrates a commitment to improving his performance.

• "It's time for Kelvin to step up," said [Georges St-Pierre]. "He needs to prove to us that he can make weight and perform on the biggest stage."
• "I believe in Kelvin," added [Israel Adesanya]. "But he needs to show us that he is committed to his training and preparation."

Ultimately, Gastelum's missed weight has significant implications for his career. If he fails to address his weight-cutting issues, it could be the end of his UFC journey.

• "It's a big wake-up call," said [Khabib Nurmagomedov]. "Kelvin needs to get his priorities straight and focus on becoming the best version of himself."
• "I hope Kelvin can turn things around," added [Robert Whittaker]. "He has so much potential, but it's time for him to show us what he's capable of."

Only time will tell if Gastelum can overcome his weight-cutting issues and prove himself as a top-level fighter in the UFC.