Fans Cry “Wild Mismatch” as Dana White Pits a Dangerous Shavkat Rakhmonov Against Kelvin Gastelum After Massive Valentina Shevchenko vs Alexa Grasso Fight Update

When undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov offered to fight Kelvin Gastelum on his return to welterweight, the TUF 17 winner was happy to oblige and accepted the fight. Now, Dana White has confirmed the matchup will take place during the Mexican Independence Day.

Kelvin Gastelum is ready to return to welterweight after displaying his skill in the middleweight division. His explosive power, fast combinations, and aggressive attitude set TUF 17 winner apart from other fighters in this division. Apparently, he is ready to face the best the division has to offer.

Dana White confirms Kelvin Gastelum vs Shavkat Rakhmonov

In a recent announcement video shared on YouTube, UFC President Dana White revealed that the fight card for September 16th on the Mexican Independence Day will feature Rakhmonov taking on Gastelum. Furthermore, the fight will be the co-main event for the evening. White said, “The co-main event will be Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Kelvin Gastelum. How bada** is that fight?” The main event will be a rematch between Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso.

Since Rakhmonov is on a 5-fight winning streak, a win in this fight could get him into title contention. Meanwhile, for Gastelum, it will be essential for him to register a win on his return to keep his title hopes alive as well. The fans have taken to social media to talk about this fight.

Fans react to the Gastelum vs Rakhmonov fight announcement

The fans had mixed opinions about the fight. While some fans believe this fight is a mismatch, others believe Kelvin Gastelum would come out on top. They have praised the San Jose native for picking one of the hardest fights the UFC has to offer. Here are some reactions from the fans on Instagram.

• say what you want about Kelvin but he legit NEVER runs from the absolute hardest fights out there
• Kelvin wins this by decision.
• I won’t ever count Kelvin out, but this seems like a WILD mismatch
• Rip kelvin
• Huge step down for shavkat is number 5 and fighting an unranked fighter keep in mind kelvin is like number 11 in middleweight, shavkat should be fighting up
• Bro that fight doesnt even make sense
• Looks like a sacrifice to me
• No way kg making 170

Some people have also said that Shavkat Rakhmonov should be fighting in an upper division since Gastelum didn’t make much of an impact in middleweight. The fans were also skeptical whether the San Jose native could make weight for the fight this September. Moreover, they believe that the UFC has handed Gastelum to Rakhmonov as a “sacrifice.”

READ MORE: “He Is Undefeated and…”: Former Opponent and UFC Hofer Dismisses “Ballsy” Kelvin Gastelum’s Claim of Being a “Nightmare Matchup” for Shavkat Rakhmonov

With both fighters hungry for victory and eager to perform on the big stage, this fight has all the makings of an epic battle. Fans can expect fireworks as these two warriors go head-to-head in what promises to be an unforgettable showdown.

What do you make of this matchup? Drop your comments below.

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