Challenges in the Life of Kelvin Gastelum in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Kelvin Gastelum's life and career.

Kelvin Gastelum is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is known for winning The Ultimate Fighter 17 in 2013, which earned him a contract with the UFC. Gastelum has competed in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions, showcasing his versatility as a fighter.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

December 14, 2013: Withdrawal from UFC on Fox 9

On December 14, 2013, Kelvin Gastelum was forced to withdraw from his scheduled fight against Court McGee at UFC on Fox 9 due to a torn PCL.

January 31, 2015: Gastelum vs. Woodley at UFC 183

On January 31, 2015, Kelvin Gastelum faced Tyron Woodley at UFC 183, missed weight by 10 lbs, was fined 30% of his fight purse, and lost the fight via split decision.

November 21, 2015: Loss to Neil Magny at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Finale

On November 21, 2015, Kelvin Gastelum faced Neil Magny at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Finale, losing the fight by split decision, though both participants earned Fight of the Night honors.

January 2, 2016: Withdrawal from UFC 195

On January 2, 2016, Kelvin Gastelum was scheduled to face Kyle Noke at UFC 195, but he withdrew due to a wrist injury.

July 22, 2017: Loss to Chris Weidman at UFC on Fox 25

On July 22, 2017, Kelvin Gastelum faced Chris Weidman at UFC on Fox 25 and lost the fight via submission in the third round.

February 9, 2019: Whittaker Pulled from UFC 234

On February 9, 2019, Robert Whittaker pulled out of the fight against Kelvin Gastelum a few hours before the event and was forced to undergo emergency dual surgery due to an abdominal hernia of the intestine and a twisted and collapsed bowel.

November 2, 2019: Gastelum vs. Till at UFC 244 and NYSAC Disciplinary Action

On November 2, 2019, Kelvin Gastelum faced Darren Till at UFC 244 in New York City. The NYSAC issued a statement pursuing disciplinary action against Gastelum for making contact with another person while on the scale. He and his coach were fined $1,000 and $200 respectively and he lost the fight via split decision.

November 2019: USADA Suspension

In November 2019, Kelvin Gastelum was suspended by USADA for 9 months for testing positive for marijuana in relation to his bout with Darren Till at UFC 244. The suspension was later reduced to five months after Gastelum's successful completion of a drug treatment program.

July 19, 2020: Loss to Jack Hermansson at UFC Fight Night 172

On July 19, 2020, Kelvin Gastelum faced Jack Hermansson at UFC Fight Night 172 and lost the fight via heel hook in round one.

April 17, 2021: Loss to Robert Whittaker at UFC on ESPN 22

On April 17, 2021, Kelvin Gastelum faced Robert Whittaker, replacing Paulo Costa, at UFC on ESPN 22. Gastelum lost the fight via unanimous decision, although this fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.

August 21, 2021: Loss to Jared Cannonier at UFC on ESPN 29

On August 21, 2021, Kelvin Gastelum faced Jared Cannonier at UFC on ESPN 29 and lost the fight via unanimous decision.

April 9, 2022: Gastelum vs. Du Plessis Canceled

On April 9, 2022, Kelvin Gastelum was scheduled to face Nassourdine Imavov at UFC 273. However, Imavov was forced to withdraw due to visa issues and was replaced by Dricus du Plessis. However, Gastelum withdrew a week before the event due to an undisclosed injury and his bout with du Plessis was canceled.

January 14, 2023: Gastelum vs. Strickland Canceled

On January 14, 2023, Kelvin Gastelum's rescheduled fight against Dricus du Plessis at UFC Fight Night 217 was cancelled because Gastelum withdrew due to a mouth injury and was replaced by Sean Strickland in a light heavyweight bout.

September 16, 2023: Withdrawal from UFC Fight Night 227

On September 16, 2023, Kelvin Gastelum was scheduled to face Shavkat Rakhmonov in a welterweight bout at UFC Fight Night 227. However, Gastelum withdrew in late July after sustaining a facial fracture.

December 2, 2023: Loss to Sean Brady at UFC on ESPN 52

On December 2, 2023, Kelvin Gastelum faced Sean Brady at UFC on ESPN 52 and lost the fight via a kimura submission in round three.

March 29, 2025: Cancellation of Bout against Joe Pyfer at UFC on ESPN 64

On March 29, 2025, Kelvin Gastelum was scheduled to face Joe Pyfer at UFC on ESPN 64. However, despite both men weighing in for the bout, the match was cancelled the day of the event due to an illness sustained by Pyfer.