5 things every UFC fan needs to know about Kelvin Gastelum

#2. Kelvin Gastelum trains at Kings MMA

Kelvin Gastelum with his Kings MMA teammates [Photo via @kgastelum on Instagram]

Wrestling has always been Kelvin Gastelum's bread and butter. But he's not one to shy away from trading blows with the best of them.

Gastelum has tremendously improved as a striker since his UFC debut back in 2013. It's no surprise that his stand-up game has evolved to what it is today given that he trains under the tutelage of striking whiz Rafael Cordeiro at Kings MMA.

Cordeiro is credited with playing a huge part in the development of UFC legends Anderson Silva, Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua, Wanderlei Silva and Lyoto Machida.

Gastelum's improvement has turned him into one of the most exciting fighters to watch in the octagon. The 29-year-old currently holds three 'Fight of the Night' honors, which are a testament to his skills and penchant for putting on entertaining action every time he fights.

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#1. Kelvin Gastelum was the toughest middleweight challenge for Israel Adesanya

Israel Adesanya vs. Kelvin Gastelum

Israel Adesanya has been one of the most dominant champions today. Undefeated in the middleweight division, 'The Last Stylebender' has outclassed every single challenger he's faced in the 185-pound weight class. Today, he continues to solidify his case as one of the greatest champions in the UFC.

However, Adesanya was pushed to the limit when he faced off against Kelvin Gastelum in 2019. The two combatants put on an absolute barnburner that featured everything a UFC fan could ever hope for. There were momentum shifts, contrasts in style, knockdowns and undeniable displays of grit and determination on both sides.

Heading into the fifth round, all three judges had scored the contest 38-38. With neither man feeling certain about the outcome, they gave it their all in what turned out to be one of the most intense final rounds in the UFC.

Gastelum appeared to have the momentum as he had Adesanya hurt in the final minute of round four. Gastelum wasted no time looking for a finish as he took on the role of aggressor and pursued Adesanya. But the Kiwi fighter displayed his composure as he was able to increase the volume of his strikes and attempt two submissions.

“I’m willing to die. I’m prepared to die.”Love this story from @stylebender on the moments before the start of round 5. Full: https://t.co/ptVyTexjFD pic.twitter.com/f4OWzYC41I

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 16, 2019

Ultimately, Adesanya walked away with a unanimous decision win, but not without having to work for it. Before the final round, Adesanya was even seen mouthing, "I'm prepared to die." To say that Gastelum gave Adesanya the toughest test of his middleweight career so far is a huge understatement.