UFC middleweight contender Kelvin Gastelum is cleared to return to competition.
It’s been two months since Kelvin Gastelum’s incredible interim middleweight title clash with Israel Adesanya, and now the UFC contender is ready to make his return to the Octagon.
Gastelum posted on his Instagram page that he has been cleared to resume training for competition, and he has a target date of November for his next fight.
“I’m a little too excited,” Gastelum said. “The doctor just gave me the good news and cleared me to fight and start training. After the war I had with [Israel Adesanya] I had to make sure to take time off and make sure that when I got cleared, I was physically, brand spankin’ new.
“11 weeks later that day has come and I’m ready to start looking for a return date! And my eyes are set for November. I want to thank you all for the continued support! Let’s continue this mission for gold!”
Gastelum (15-4, 1 NC) lost a decision to Adesanya in the UFC 236 co-main event, with both men badly hurting each other multiple times, but Gastelum was the one who was knocked down on four occasions. The 27-year-old has notably beaten Tim Kennedy, Ronaldo Souza, and Michael Bisping during his run at 185 lbs, making him one of the division’s best fighters.
So who does Gastelum want next? He’s eyeing Jack Hermansson.
My time table for my return inside the octagon is November. No doubt about it. @jackthejokermma is the fight to make. #OnAmission4Gold
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) June 29, 2019
Hermansson (20-4) has burst onto the scene as a potential title challenger. He’s riding a four-fight winning streak that includes a short notice upset victory over “Jacare” Souza in April. His other wins include stoppages of David Branch, Gerald Meerschaert, and former title challenger Thales Leites.
This certainly is a sensible fight to make, although Hermansson has taken up interest in headlining UFC Copenhagen in September, so we’ll see what plays out.