What’s On The Line?

What is on the line for the main event of UFC FIGHT NIGHT: CANNONIER VS. GASTELUM? August 21st Jared Cannonier takes on Kelvin Gastelum in a five round main event. The middleweights are both coming off losses to Robert Whittaker AKA Bobby Knuckles. I believe Gastelum has more to lose than Cannonier in the sense Gastelum is 1 and 4 out of his last 5 while Cannonier is 3 and 2 out of his last 5. However since Cannonier has dropped Down to 185 he’s 3 for 4 in the division and his only loss was from a former champion. Even though Kelvin Gastelum has seen better days a win over him will still be a great win on anyone’s record.

Gastelum is ranked 9 in the middleweight division while Cannonier is ranked 3. If Cannonier gets a win over Gastelum I believe he will just keep his place in the rankings and still be a fight or two away from a title shot but if he loses he will drop down the rankings substantially. With a loss to Gastelum, Cannonier will still be able to climb his way back up the rankings again. Another lost would only make him 3 and 2 out of 5 for the middleweight division which is still not the end of the world. Kelvin Gastelum on the other hand can be cut from the UFC because he’s just not winning enough. I know he’s had a tough go with fighting only the best the UFC has to offer and a fan favorite but however the UFC does not care. This is still honestly a great opportunity for Gastelum because he could be fighting someone in the top 15-20 but is still getting a top 5 guy after losing 4 out of his last 5. If Gastelum is able to get a win over Cannonier he would skyrocket into the rankings and be in the mix of title contenders.

How do the fighters pair up against each other? I think Kelvin Gastelum is durable, in his 24 fights he’s never been TKO or KO. Kelvin loves staying in the pocket creating a war because he tends to be the smaller guy and always has to be in a phone booth with his opponents. Kelvin also has a gas tank so I believe he will be the fresher fighter as the fight goes on into the 4th and 5th round. I believe if Kelvin can find his range and make it a war he can win by decision or get a stoppage. Jared Cannonier is an accurate striker who has power like no other with 9 KOs out of his 13 wins. Cannonier is really good at finding his distance and knows when to throw a power punch, he has great takedown defense so I do not see Gastelum trying to wrestle with him. I believe Cannonier has the power to put anyone out on any given night including the durable Kelvin Gastelum, Kelvin tends to keep his hands down and that’s perfect for Cannonier. If Cannonier is able to land some big shots early in the fight I believe that will dictate what Gastelum does and slow him down which will lead to a decision win or even a TKO. We will find out August 21st.