Rising UFC middleweight contender Kelvin Gastelum was expected to meet MMA legend Anderson Silva at UFC 212 on June 3 from Brazil, but was removed from that bout due to a United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) violation for marijuana. Now that Gastelum is almost in the clear with USADA, he’s hoping to reschedule his dance with “The Spider” for UFC on FOX 25 on July 22 from Long Island, New York.
The young middleweight recently took to Twitter to plead his case:
My apologies and respects to @SpiderAnderson , I Can’t make it to the dance in Rio, how about we dance in New York in July? @ufc @UFCONFOX
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) May 4, 2017
Silva, who last defeated Derek Brunson at UFC 208 in Brooklyn, recently demanded an interim title shot against top contender Yoel Romero or he would walk away from fighting. While a bout with Gastelum wouldn’t incorporate UFC gold, it may be intriguing enough for Silva considering the two were already supposed to fight.
With no main event in place, Gastelum vs. Silva could very well headline UFC on FOX 25. Only two bouts have officially been announced, with another rumored, so adding this explosive middleweight tilt would be in the promotion’s best interest.
Stick with Mania as more UFC on FOX 25 news is revealed.