Kelvin Gastelum doesn’t believe Israel Adesanya deserves a UFC middleweight title shot. “Stylebender” defeated 43-year-old former 185-pound king Anderson Silva in the main event of UFC 234 over the weekend (Sat. February 9, 2019).
Initially, Robert Whittaker was scheduled to defend his title against Kelvin Gastelum in the main event. However, Whittaker was hospitalized the morning of the card. After receiving emergency surgery for a situation that could’ve been fatal, Whittaker was not able to compete on the card.
As a result, the middleweight title picture has become a bit fuzzy. Gastelum spoke to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani on “The Ariel Helwani MMA Show”. The former Ultimate Fighter winner doesn’t believe “Stylebender’s” win over the 43-year-old former champ is worthy of a title opportunity (via MMA Mania):
“He beat a 43-year old Anderson Silva. I’m not sure that’s a claim for a title shot. But if the UFC decides he’s No. 1 contender and gets to skips the five guys in front of him, then so be it. I guess I will fight the No. 1 contender and defend my title,” Gastelum said.
“He’s not over-hyped. I mean it is in a way but he deserves it. He talks well, fights well, but the performance he showed on Saturday was not title-worthy in my opinion. It was all just very exciting theatrics. When I fight, I put guys away. He wasn’t able to put a 43-year old Anderson away. I felt I would’ve done a different sort of job.”
Who do you think should get the next shot at the UFC middleweight title?
