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It’s safe to assume that Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) matchmakers love it when fighters call each other out, especially when the feeling is mutual. Recently, former Middleweight title contender, Kelvin Gastelum, took it upon himself to call out his next potential foe.
Indeed, Gastelum issued a challenge to Edmen Shahbazyan to a 185-pound showdown inside the Octagon. All that is needed to make the fight, apparently, is for Shahbazyan to sign on the dotted line.
“Hope all is well during this pandemic Edmen Shahbazyan,” Gastelum wrote on Twitter. “I’ve been waiting to sign a contract, and all we need is your signature. Thank you.”
Gastelum has had a pretty rough stretch as of late, losing three straight at the hands of Israel Adesanya, Darren Till and Jack Hermansson, who defeated the former Ultimate Fighter (TUF) winner in a little over a minute (see it again here). Gastelum’s last win came in mid-218.
Shahbazyan, meanwhile, is coming the first loss of his mixed martial arts (MMA) career after getting knocked out by Derek Brunson in the main event of UFC Vegas 5 this past August (highlights). Prior to the defeat, “The Golden Boy” had racked up 11 straight wins to begin his pro career, including winning his first rouf UFC contests.
The loss to Brunson definitely took some wins out of his sails as the the 22-year old was being touted as a potential breakout star who already had his eyes on current Middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya.
While Shahbazyan is still a long way from punching his ticket to the big dance, a win over Gastelum would be a step in the right direction. As for Kelvin, he’s simply trying to stop the bleeding of the longest losing streak of his decade-long combat career.
Interested?