Kelvin Gastelum, born on October 24, 1991, is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Gastelum's career has been marked by both significant achievements and struggles with weight management, impacting his performance and career trajectory. This article delves into Gastelum's weight loss plans, challenges, and the impact of these factors on his career.
Early Career and Weight Fluctuations
Gastelum's journey in the UFC began after winning The Ultimate Fighter 17 in 2013, becoming the youngest winner in the show's history at 21 years old. He earned a UFC contract after defeating teammate Uriah Hall in the finals via split decision. Gastelum is of Mexican descent, with his family hailing from Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, where he spent part of his childhood.
Gastelum's early career was notable for his ability to compete in both the welterweight (170 lbs) and middleweight (185 lbs) divisions. However, weight issues soon became a recurring theme.
Weight Misses and Their Consequences
One of the most significant instances of Gastelum's weight struggles occurred on January 31, 2015, at UFC 183, where he faced Tyron Woodley. He missed weight by 10 pounds and was fined 30% of his fight purse, which was given to Woodley. He lost the fight via split decision. This incident marked the beginning of a series of weight-related challenges that would plague Gastelum's career.
Gastelum has a history of weight misses under the UFC banner, starting out at welterweight and eventually being forced up a division. He missed once a year from 2014 to 2016 before eventually being forced up a division, where he became a world title contender. After losing to Israel Adesanya and realizing the size of top middleweights, he moved back down to welterweight in pursuit of gold.
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In another instance, Gastelum weighed in at 191 pounds for a fight against Dustin Stoltzfus on September 13, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 259, five pounds over the middleweight non-title fight limit.
Attempts to Address Weight Issues
Gastelum's weight issues have not gone unaddressed. He has, at times, sought professional help to manage his weight.
Hiring Nutritionists
In the lead-up to UFC 180 in November 2014, Gastelum initially planned to work with nutritionist Mike Dolce, with whom he had successfully made weight for a previous fight. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Dolce was unavailable. Gastelum had split from Dolce after the Melancon fight citing financial reasons. His next two weight cuts did not go well. He required three attempts to make the 171-pound weight limit for a fight in March and then missed weight altogether ahead of his last bout in June in San Antonio. He forfeited 20 percent of his fight purse as a result.
Gastelum acknowledged the importance of proper weight management, stating, "We're going to make sure we do everything right this time."
After another weight miss, Dana White said he’d be paying for the nutritionist - Lockhart.
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Considering a Move to Welterweight
Gastelum has also considered a permanent move down to the welterweight division. He told The Schmo, “I’m thinking about. Maybe, possibly, hiring a dietitian (to help me) make the move down (to welterweight) but it’ll take some time." He has picked up several high-profile wins at 170lbs beating the likes of Johny Hendricks, Jake Ellenberger, and Rick Story.
Impact on Performance and Career Trajectory
Gastelum's weight struggles have undoubtedly affected his performance and career trajectory. The physical and mental toll of drastic weight cuts can impact a fighter's energy levels, strength, and overall well-being. Missing weight can also lead to fines, loss of purse, and damage to reputation.
Despite these challenges, Gastelum has achieved notable success in the UFC. He has secured victories against formidable opponents and has been involved in several "Fight of the Night" performances.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Gastelum is known for his compact southpaw boxing style, blending quick hand speed with forward pressure and durability. While primarily a striker, Gastelum has a strong wrestling background from his collegiate days and occasionally uses it to keep opponents guessing.
Notable Achievements
Gastelum's achievements include:
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- UFC Hall of Fame (Fight Wing, Class of 2025)
- Fight of the Night (Five times)
- Performance of the Night (Three times)
- 2019: President's Choice Fight of the Year Winner
- 2013: Ranked #3 Newcomer of the Year & Ranked #7 Upset of the Year
- 2017: Ranked #10 Knockout of the Year
- 2019: Fight of the Year
- 2019 MMA Match of the Year
- 2019 April Fight of the Month
- 2019 Fight of the Year
- 2019 Fight of the Year
- 2019 Fight of the Year
- 2019 Fight of the Year
Controversies
In addition to weight-related issues, Gastelum has faced other controversies. For instance, subsequent to the weigh-ins for UFC 244, the NYSAC issued a rare statement that they would be pursuing disciplinary action against Gastelum. Per the statement, the Athletic Commission stated upon review of Gastelum's weigh-in video that they "determined that Mr. Gastelum made contact with another person while on the scale, a violation of the weigh in policy. As the result, Gastelum and his coach, Rafael Cordeiro, were fined $1,000 and $200 respectively by New York State Athletic Commission.
Gastelum also Receives 9-Month Suspension for Second Positive Marijuana Test.
Recent Events and Future Prospects
Daniel … The former middleweight title challenger has struggled for form as of late winning just one of his last six fights. Gastelum is now at a key stage in his career.
Just last month, they got rid of Bryan Battle for another weight miss, and it is unclear what will happen with Gastelum. It is unlikely that the fight will go ahead tomorrow night, given the drastic miss on the scales.
Gastelum (20-10, 1NC), now a UFC Hall of Fame member in the Fight Wing, told Cageside Press and other media outlets following his win on Saturday, which saw him bounce back from a loss to Joe Pyfer. Still, Fight Week saw him miss weight for the short-notice affair. “I like these four weeks, because we just went straight into the grind. We devised a plan to lose the weight, unfortunately I wasn’t able to fulfill that plan, and it kind of spoils the win here a little bit,” admitted Gastelum. As far as fighting on a card designed to celebrate Mexico’s independence and fighting spirit, “I’ve been wanting to fight on a Noche card for a long, long time,” stated Gastelum. Still just 33, Gastelum expects to continue competing for a while yet. “I still feel like I have some things to offer. For the next few years at least, I can compete at this level.