After being unable to compete in 2022, owing to several injuries, Kelvin Gastelum has had to pull out of his upcoming bout yet again. The 31-year-old was supposed to headline UFC Vegas 67 against Nassourdine Imavov this Saturday. As reported, Gastelum had to back out because of a mouth injury. Although the details are sketchy, the UFC fighter has already made a statement about his withdrawal.

UFC Vegas 67 is the first UFC event of 2023. The promotion had to rope in Sean Strickland as a late replacement in order to save the main event. The new headliner will be held at 205 lbs instead of Middleweight.

Kelvin Gastelum out of UFC main event fight against Nassourdine Imavov

As per a post made by the UFC Middleweight, he expressed his disappointment in having to pull out of the fight. He also went on to apologize to Imavov as well as the fans. 

“I’m extremely disappointed to say the least. This not how I wanted to start 2023. I worked my ass off & battled through a lot of adversary and was ready to put on a hell of a show this weekend. I apologize to Imavov, his camp as well as ufc and all the fans. #OnAmission4Gold”

The American also posted a video on Twitter to show the extent of his injury and it definitely was not pretty. 

While this was supposed to be Gastelum’s return fight after a gap of almost a year and a half, his opponent Imavov has been on a hot streak. The number 12 ranked Middleweight has won his previous three bouts and looked extremely good while doing so.

Sean Strickland to step in as short notice replacement

In a bid to save the main event, UFC had to bring in Sean Strickland as a late replacement for Gastelum. It’s fascinating to note that Strickland headlined the last event of 2022 and is set to do the same again for 2023’s first event. The 31-year-old Middleweight is on a two-fight loss streak currently. 

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Strickland is coming off a decision loss to Jared Cannonier and will look to overturn the losing tide this Saturday. Although Imavov is undoubtedly a huge challenge for the loudmouth 31-year-old, Strickland is fairly experienced himself.

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For fans of Kelvin Gastelum, this news is surely disappointing. The former interim title contender is yet to fight after his loss to Cannonier in 2021. This fight would have marked his return as a frontrunner among the contenders but unfortunately, Gastelum will have to wait a bit longer.