Gastelum releases statement after UFC Vegas 24 loss, still believes he can be ‘one of the best’

Kelvin Gastelum dropped a decision to Robert Whittaker at this weekend’s UFC Vegas 24 card. Whittaker had the upper hand throughout the five round contest, wobbling Gastelum on route to an impressive victory that could pave the way to a title shot versus Israel Adesanya.

For Gastelum, that was his fourth loss in five contests. The former TUF winner took to Twitter after the fight to share his thoughts and give an update on where he goes from here.

Getting an onslaught of amazing messages and I’m glad ppl enjoyed the fight. Thank you all for sending even the slightest positive gestures and messages. I still believe I can get the job done and be one of the best! I wouldn’t say that just to say it, I believe it with all my heart. I am learning so much from my opponents and I will make the necessary adjustments for the next battle. We’re on to the next one.

Gastelum came into the UFC in 2013 through The Ultimate Fighter: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen. He won that show, as a middleweight, with an upset in the finale opposite Uriah Hall. Gastelum then dropped to welterweight and won his next four fights in the Octagon, setting him up for a fight with Tyron Woodley in 2015.

Woodley got the better of Gastelum with a split decision. Next up Gastelum, who had struggled to make 170 lbs on numerous occasions, went back up to middleweight and beat Nate Marquardt.

A split decision to Neil Magny came next, in the main event of the TUF: Latin America 2 finale in Monterrey, Mexico. Gastelum then rebounded with wins over Johny Hendricks and Tim Kennedy. Next up, in 2017, he TKO’d Vitor Belfort, but that bout was ruled a no contest after Gastelum tested positive for marijuana.

After a short USADA suspension Gastelum lost via submission to Chris Weidman. Then he put together back-to-back wins over Michael Bisping and Ronaldo Souza.

In 2019 Gastelum lost to Israel Adesanya for the interim UFC middleweight title. Losses to Darren Till and Jack Hermansson followed. Gastelum’s last win a unanimous decision victory over Iain Heinisch at UFC 258 in February.