Kelvin Gastelum set for short notice make-or-break fight at UFC 273

UFC middleweight Kelvin Gastelum will compete in his third straight short notice fight at UFC 273 when he battles rising prospect Dricus du Plessis.

Throughout the course of his time with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, dating all the way back to when he won The Ultimate Fighter 17, Kelvin Gastelum has been a strong fan favourite. He comes to fight every single time he steps into that cage and whether it be at welterweight or middleweight, you know he’s going to bring the heat.

It’s not exactly a secret, though, that things haven’t gone his way in recent times. His USADA issues and problems with missing weight are behind him but instead, getting in the win column has been the new struggle in the last couple of years.

At UFC 273 next weekend, the 30-year-old had been scheduled to meet Nassourdine Imavov. However, due to visa issues, Imavov was pulled from the bout and replaced by South African sensation Dricus du Plessis.

‘Stillknocks’ made a name for himself in KSW and EFC before finally making his way to the UFC and upon arrival, he wasted no time in securing impressive finishes over Markus Perez and Trevin Giles.

After this big step up in competition was announced, Gastelum welcomed the news that he’d still get to compete in Jacksonville.

“The show goes on. Thank you Dricus Du Plessis for accepting last minute. Let’s put on a show. #UFC273 #OAM4G”

The show goes on