Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is all set to take on Kelvin Gastelum this weekend at UFC on ESPN 22 at the UFC’s Apex facility in Las Vegas.
Robert Whittaker was initially scheduled to fight Paulo Costa, but the Brazilian had to pull out of the fight following the lingering effects of Covid-19.
Robert Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum were initially booked to fight at UFC 234 in February of 2019 at the Rod Lavar Arena in Melbourne in Australia. The fight had to be cancelled after Robert Whittaker pulled out the fight with a hernia and twisted bowl.
Kelvin Gastelum then fought Israel Adesanya at UFC 236 in one of the best fights of 2019 and lost via decision. Since then Kelvin went 2-1 in the UFC with his most recent win coming against Ian Heinisch at UFC 258 last month.
Whittaker lost his middleweight title to Israel Adesanya at UFC 243 and then went on to defeat Darren Till at UFC on ESPN 14 and then Jared Cannonier at UFC 254.
Robert Whittaker is expecting a WAR!!
While Robert Whittaker is confident in his ability to finish Kelvin Gastelum this weekend at UFC on ESPN 22, he also made it clear that he isn’t looking past Gastelum and is prepared for war.
“Fortunately, I was given a month to (prepare), and I had previously camped for Gastelum, as well,” Robert Whittaker said. “Both things just lead up into my favor with actually accepting the change, but also I’ve had fights recently with southpaws, so it’s not too much of a stretch, too different. Obviously, stylistically Gastelum and Costa are two very different fighters, but it is what it is.”
“The real thing is I’m a very different beast than I was back then,” Whittaker said. “I feel like from a technical point of view, I’m a much more complete athlete – but as well as the mental game, which only reinforces all of that. It’s just never been better.”
“I’m hoping I can go out and dominate him, but I’m expecting an absolute war,” Whittaker said. “We’re both very well-rounded. He’s got dangerous power. He can wrestle, grapple. He’s tough as nails. I can do the same. Yeah, I expect the worst, hope for the best.” (H/T – MMAJunkie.com)
Who do you guys think wins in a fight between Kelvin Gastelum and Robert Whittaker? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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