Less than 24 hours ago, Kelvin Gastelum suffered his third loss in a row. Jack “The Joker” Hermansson submitted Gastelum in the first round at UFC Fight Night: Benavidez vs Figueiredo 2.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Gastelum’s losing streak began after his war with reigning middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya. After failing to capture interim gold, Gastelum took on Darren Till. Unfortunately, he lost a close battle to Till. He was then suspended for nine months as he tested positive for THC. However, the suspension was later reduced to five months.
Desperate to get back in the win column, Gastelum (#7) took on #6 ranked fighter, Jack Hermansson. Unlike his previous two bouts, this fight was not even close. Right off the bat, Hermansson began targeting Gastelum’s legs. And before we knew it, “The Joker” got a hold of Gastelum.
ADVERTISEMENT
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67076996/1256949891.jpg.0.jpg)
ADVERTISEMENT
WATCH: Insane Heel Hook Submission by Jack Hermansson Stuns Kelvin Gastelum at UFC Fight Night
Hermansson tried to take Gastelum down. But the American fighter reversed the position and ended on top of Hermansson. The duo exchanged a few strikes before Hermansson grabbed Kelvin’s leg. And tapped him out with a heel hook.
ADVERTISEMENT
Kelvin Gastelum apologizes for his performance, fans and fighters react
Soon after the loss, Gastelum expressed his feelings on Twitter. The former title challenger felt embarrassed post-fight. He issued an apology to his team, family, UFC, Dana White, and Mick Maynard. Nevertheless, he said that some losses are necessary for self-reflection.
Truly embarrassed guys. I’m sorry. My team, my family @UFC @danawhite @Mickmaynard2 You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so u can know who u are, what u can rise from, how u can still come out of it.
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) July 19, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Gastelum is only 28 years old. And he has a lot to offer to the sport. Perhaps he is not even in his prime yet. But that did not stop the fans from reacting to his statement. While some responses were in favor of the fighter, others were not.
Top Stories
Jon Jones Shares Update on UFC Return After ‘Private’ Medical Condition Leaked
Ex-UFC Champion Shares Emotional Update Before Cancer Surgery Ahead of Title Fight
Dana White’s Court Hearings Summarized: Conor McGregor Messages, Stolen Phone & Ilia Topuria Trouble
Who Is Arman Tsarukyan’s Father? Nairi Tsarukyan’s Net Worth, Profession & Businesses
Former UFC Champ Reveals Return Timeline As He Targets New Division After Back to Back Losses
Never, you are a champion. Keep your head up.
— Gerald Harris (@GHurricane) July 19, 2020
You’re the man, KG. On to the next one… you have zero reason to be embarrassed.
— Vinny Magalhães (@VinnyMMA) July 19, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
@KelvinGastelum you’re pathetic bro. I’m glad your coach shitted on you after the fight. At this point just ask to be traded to one championship so you can fight little guys like yourself pic.twitter.com/U82kot0rMU
— sage416 (@sage4162) July 19, 2020
Take your career seriously and cut down to welterweight. I have news for you no one likes cutting weight but it’s part of the job. Big fan but get your mind right.
— Paul Anthony Pino (@PaulAnthonyPino) July 19, 2020
What do you think Kelvin Gastelum should do next?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT