Kelvin Gastelum admitted he wasn`t thrilled about fighting Joe Pyfer this weekend.
Gastelum is set to face Pyfer this Saturday at UFC Mexico City in a featured bout on the main card. This marks Gastelum`s return to the Octagon after his victory over Daniel Rodriguez in Saudi Arabia last year. That previous fight had some complications when it was changed to middleweight due to Gastelum`s weight issues. However, Gastelum assures that weight will not be a problem this time, as he is now committed to the middleweight division.
“Middleweight at 185 pounds is definitely where I belong,” Gastelum stated at the UFC Mexico City media day. “I feel really good in this weight class. My best career moments have happened here, and this is where I intend to stay. I’m happy and strong here. I`ve added muscle to compete effectively with the bigger fighters in this division.”
“In the past, when I competed at middleweight, I was unsure if I would stay. I even went back down to welterweight for a time. When I was in contention for the title, I remained at middleweight because I was successful. I was winning and earned a title shot, so I stayed. Now, I truly feel like this is my home. I feel good, and I’m ready to put on an exciting performance against the best fighters in the world. I am fully committed to middleweight.”
Despite winning The Ultimate Fighter 17 as a middleweight, Gastelum previously moved down to welterweight and found success. Unfortunately, weight issues 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 recognized as the 2019 Fight of the Year and will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.
Considering his achievements, Gastelum confessed he was underwhelmed when the UFC proposed a fight with Joe Pyfer at UFC Mexico City.
“Initially, I was a bit bothered by this fight because Joe Pyfer wasn’t the kind of opponent I was aiming for,” Gastelum explained. “He wasn`t on my radar. I wanted to fight someone ranked higher, someone with a bigger profile. But you know what? I see this as a significant test for myself. I need to start over and work my way up again. I need to face these up-and-coming fighters, and that’s what I’m here to do. This is a new phase in my life and career, and climbing back into the rankings begins with Joe Pyfer.”
If Gastelum defeats Pyfer on Saturday, 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.
“A rematch with Adesanya isn`t something I`m specifically seeking, but if it happens and the circumstances align, I’m not against it,” Gastelum said. “It’s not something I`ve been focused on. Izzy and I have always had a respectful relationship since our fight. He has always treated me with respect, so there’s no animosity from my side. However, if we are matched up again for whatever reason, I would definitely consider it.”
UFC Mexico City is scheduled for this Saturday at Arena CDMX in Mexico City.
