Kelvin Gastelum Misses Weight by Five Pounds at Noche UFC 3, Faces Financial Penalty

What's Happening?

Kelvin Gastelum weighed in at 191 pounds during the Noche UFC 3 weigh-ins, exceeding the middleweight non-title limit of 185 pounds. This marks his fourth career weight miss and his first at the 185-pound division. As a result, his fight against Dustin Stoltzfus will proceed at a catchweight, with Gastelum forfeiting 35% of his purse to Stoltzfus. The event is scheduled for September 13 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Gastelum, who has a 3-7 record in his last 10 UFC appearances, attributed the weight miss to illness but accepted full responsibility. His history of weight issues dates back to 2015, when he missed the welterweight limit at UFC 183. Despite his struggles, Gastelum has had notable victories, including a win over Vitor Belfort in 2017, which was later overturned due to a positive drug test.

Why It's Important?

Gastelum's repeated weight issues highlight ongoing challenges in the UFC regarding weight management and fighter health. Missing weight can lead to financial penalties and affect a fighter's reputation and career trajectory. For Gastelum, this latest incident could impact his standing within the UFC and his future matchups. The situation also raises broader questions about the effectiveness of current weight-cutting practices and the potential need for regulatory changes to ensure fighter safety and fairness. The financial penalty serves as a deterrent, but the recurring nature of such incidents suggests that more comprehensive solutions may be necessary.

What's Next?

Gastelum has apologized for the weight miss and promised a strong performance in his upcoming fight. The UFC and athletic commissions may continue to monitor his weight management closely, and further weight misses could lead to more severe consequences, such as suspension or mandatory weight class changes. The UFC may also consider implementing stricter weight-cutting regulations to prevent similar issues in the future. Fans and fellow fighters have expressed frustration on social media, indicating that Gastelum's future in the UFC could be influenced by public and peer perception.