What's Happening?
Kelvin Gastelum's weight-cutting challenges have resurfaced, prompting speculation from coach Ray Longo about a potential underlying health issue. Gastelum weighed in at 191 pounds for his recent fight against Dustin Stoltzfus, exceeding the middleweight limit by five pounds. Despite winning the fight, Gastelum's weight issues overshadowed his victory. Longo, speaking on the Anik & Florian Podcast, suggested that Gastelum might be struggling with a serious eating disorder, although Gastelum has not publicly addressed any such issues. Gastelum has a history of missing weight, dating back to his time competing at welterweight, where he missed weight multiple times. Longo, who has extensive experience overseeing weight cuts, expressed sympathy for Gastelum but emphasized the importance of adhering to weight agreements.
Why It's Important?
Gastelum's recurring weight issues highlight the challenges faced by fighters in maintaining weight standards, which can impact their career and earnings. Missing weight can lead to financial penalties, as Gastelum was fined 35% of his purse for the recent infraction. This situation raises questions about the responsibility of both the fighter and the promotion in ensuring weight compliance. Longo's comments suggest a need for greater support and understanding of potential health issues affecting athletes. The broader implications include the potential for changes in how weight management is approached in combat sports, possibly leading to more comprehensive health assessments and support systems for fighters.
What's Next?
The ongoing weight issues may prompt discussions within the UFC and other organizations about the need for better support systems for fighters struggling with weight management. Gastelum's future fights could be affected by stricter weight monitoring or changes in weight class. The UFC may need to consider the implications of booking fighters with known weight challenges and explore alternative approaches to ensure fair competition. Gastelum's situation could lead to increased scrutiny of weight-cutting practices and potential reforms in the sport.
