Kelvin Gastelum has decided to step in once again as a main-event replacement for Paulo Costa. ‘Borrachinha was set to take on fellow knockout artist Jared Cannonier in a five-round main event on August 21st. However, recent reports suggest that the former challenger has pulled out of yet another fight. 

Costa was set to take on Robert Whittaker in the main event on April 17th. On that occasion, the former title challenger pulled out of the fight as he was suffering from severe flu. And therefore, Gastelum stepped in on brief notice to fight ‘The Reaper’. 

This time around Gastelum will have plenty of time to prepare as compared to his fight against Whittaker. At this point in time, the reason why ‘Borrachinha’ pulled out of the fight is unknown. 

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Is the fight make or break for Kelvin Gastelum?

Kelvin Gastelum is widely regarded as one of the best fighters at 185-pounds. He proved that when he went toe-to-toe with the current champion Israel Adesanya for the interim title at UFC 236. However, since then things have not been going well for Gastelum. 

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Following his defeat against ‘The Last Stylebender’, Kelvin lost his next two fights making it 0-3. He then bounced back with a brilliant win over Ian Heinisch in February, before succumbing to a loss against Whittaker in April.

This means that Gastelum is 1-4 in his last five fights which is cause for concern. If he loses his next fight against Cannonier, his position in the UFC might come under scrutiny. A win will seemingly be the need of the hour. However, that will be easier said than done as he takes on perhaps the scariest knockout artist in the middleweight division at the moment.

Cannonier was on a brilliant three-fight win streak, all of which were stoppages. However, at UFC 254, Robert Whittaker clinically dismantled him. On Fight Island, ‘The Killa Gorilla’ suffered a fracture. Hence, he has been out of action ever since. Now, he will view the fight against Gastelum as his road to redemption.

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What do you make of the fight between Cannonier and Gastelum? Let us know in the comments below!