After it was revealed over the weekend that Lawler was out of the previously announced matchup with Cerrone (31-7 MMA, 18-4 UFC), Kelvin Gastelum (12-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) will now step in to face “Cowboy” in the welterweight bout.
Advertisement
Former Ultimate Fighter victor Kelvin Gastelum will get the chance to make a name for himself this November, as he has agreed to step in and replace Robbie Lawler vs. Donald Cerrone. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto was told by UFC president Dana White on Wednesday that “Cowboy” will face TUF 17 victor Kelvin Gastelum. We both signed bout agreements. He was scheduled to fight Jorge Masvidal at the TUF Latin America 3 Finale on November 5th, but it looks like he’ll just get his return to the Octagon pushed back by only one week, and on a major PPV event.
Gastelum’s impressive UFC career includes wins over Uriah Hall, Rick Story, Jake Ellenberger, and Nate Marquardt. A win over Gastelum, who is ranked No. 5 in the UFC welterweight division, would quickly push Cerrone’s name into the top contenders for a shot at the belt wrapped around Woodley’s waist.
UFC 205 will take place at Madison Square Garden.
Advertisement
While it may not be the “bangfest” fans were hoping for between two of the most exciting standup specialists in the sport today, Gastelum will be more than game, recently taking out another knockout artist in the form of Johny Hendricks at UFC 200. UFC 205 marks the Las Vegas-based promotion’s first-ever event in the Empire State.
