UFC middleweight elites Jared Cannonier and Kelvin Gastelum put up a masterclass as they collided in the main event of UFC Vegas 34. In the end, it was ‘The Killa Gorilla’ who had the last laugh as he picked up a hard-fought, unanimous decision win.
With the middleweight division looking for contenders to challenge ‘The Last Stylebender’, it was the perfect opportunity for both men to put forward their names into the title mix.
Nothing but respect from @KillaGorillaMMA towards his opponent @KelvinGastelum after their fight 👏 #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/SvXJw4FIdo
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The fight started with Kelvin Gastelum taking the center stage. His striking prowess was all on display. But Cannonier kept his composure and worked around the former welterweight fighter. He always seemed to be a step ahead of him, and end in the end, he worked his way towards an important win of his career.
With this win, Jared Cannonier has pressed his case forward for a title shot. Meanwhile, Gastelum has to go back to the drawing board and figure out a way to get back from a string of losses.
READ MORE: BREAKING: Dan Hooker Returns to UFC Action- Will Feature at UFC 266
He now has picked up only 1 win in his last 6 fights. All his losses have come against elite-level fighters and the worrying fact is that most of them have been close fight finishes.
Twitter reacts as Jared Cannonier earns a hard-fought decision over Kelvin Gastelum
Conor McGregor hyped up the fight and also hinted about a move to middleweight. When the time came to pick the winner, he chose Gastelum.
UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling praised Gastelum’s footwork. He had picked Cannonier, but Gastelum’s performance surprised him.
KG has taken the shots well from Cannonier but man, does he look sharp tonight. Great footwork, that JC hasn’t been able to really figure out. I picked JC to win but KG proving me wrong! #UFCVegas34
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) August 22, 2021
Gastelum’s performance impressed Tristan Connelly.
@KelvinGastelum is looking like his on point tonight! This is gonna be a show 🍿!#UFCVegas34 @ufc @UFC_CA
— Tristan “Boondock” Connelly (@MMATristan) August 22, 2021
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya seemed to enjoy the show put up by his fellow divisional mates.
🍿🍿🍿 FREESTYLEBENDER 📺
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) August 22, 2021
The striking on display impressed Sterling.
Whoever is tracking the strike count- do better. That is all.#UFCVegas34
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) August 22, 2021
‘Platinum’ Mike Perry believed Cannonier deserved a unanimous decision.
Shows what I know. They’ve been buzzing for 25 minutes. Good fight main event #UFCVegas34 Canonnier for the decision, gotta make a bottle GN
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) August 22, 2021
Nolan King felt heartbroken after listening to Cannonier’s post-fight interview.
Always heartwarming when your main event winner says, "I'm broke," while answering a question during his in-cage interview. 😐 #UFCVegas34
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) August 22, 2021
Former UFC middleweight champion, Chris Weidman, briefly summarized the fight.
Super close fight. Gastelum pushed the action and held center of octagon but Cannonier landed the bigger shots.
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) August 22, 2021
The overall fight on display impressed Belal Muhammad.
Great main event Jared showed he can go 5 rounds and kelvin proved that he’s still a top contender in the division and can beat anyone on the right night
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) August 22, 2021
Aljamain Sterling explained what went missing for Gastelum.
Very competitive. A little more volume and I thought KG would’ve taken it or even pressing JC against the cage more. Big win for JC but KG is a savage! He’s fought all the best guys that 185 has to offer in the UFC https://t.co/Judmz0Crta
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) August 22, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Gastelum was in good spirits even after the loss.
Congratulations to Jared Cannonier on a very competitive fight!
Small adjustments and we’re back on top!
Tonight just proved that! We’re very close to being the best in the world.
Almost there & On to the next one!— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) August 22, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: 5 unknown facts about UFC president Dana White