Kelvin Gastelum and Ian Heinisch faced off in a Middleweight clash tonight (Sat., Feb. 13, 2021) inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada at UFC 258. In a solid return to form, Gastelum picked up the win.
Heinisch landed a strong calf kick early in the fight, followed by a high-crotch takedown. Gastelum used his classic fat man role technique to gain top position, but Heinisch countered with a kimura! It looked deep! Gastelum escaped and maintained top position. Heinisch went back to the kimura, but Gastelum stepped into mount to avoid the shoulder lock. Back on their feet, Heinisch landed a good overhand. Gastelum ripped a low kick. Solid uppercut from Heinisch. Gastelum scored a brief takedown along the fence, followed by another big slam. Body kick from Gastelum, who finished the round with a solid right hook.
Chopping kick from Gastelum began the second, but Heinisch cracked him with a good right afterward. Gastelum really dug into the lead leg. Heinisch landed a clean jump knee, but Gastelum somehow ate it without issue and slammed his opponent. Heinisch worked back up, but Gastelum wore on him in the clinch then scored a left. The two trade kicks, then Gastelum returned to the clinch. Heinisch connected on a right after some clinch control from his opponent. Gastelum landed some good punches. Clean body kick from Heinisch. Gastelum jammed him into the fence one last time before the round came to a close.
The two traded low kicks at the start of the third, before Heinisch landed a slick elbow. Hard right hand from Heinisch. Gastelum spun out of a deep takedown attempt. Clean knee to the mid-section from Gastelum, but Heinisch answered with a good body kick. Straight punches scored for The Ultimate Fighter winner. Heinisch attempted another jump knee, but he was slammed for his effort. Heinisch managed to reverse position, taking the back out of nowhere! It takes a few moments, but Gastelum twisted his way into top position. Back on their feet, Gastelum landed a couple knees. Both men landed takedowns in the final 10 seconds of the fight, ending a fairly fun contest.
Gastelum was simply the sharper, more experienced man last night. Wherever the fight went, he was a step ahead, even if Heinisch did put forth a valiant effort.
Result: Kelvin Gastelum defeats Ian Heinisch via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
For complete UFC 258: “Usman vs. Burns” results and play-by-play, click HERE!