Kelvin Gastelum Fighting Style: Is the UFC Star a Wrestler?

Kelvin Gastelum will be making his return to the Octagon on June 22 to take on Daniel Rodriguez as the UFC makes its debut in Saudi Arabia. Gastelum’s last appearance inside the cage ended in disappointment as he lost his fight at UFC on ESPN 52 in 2023 against Sean Brady via a kimura submission in the third round. The 32-year-old had dropped down to the welterweight division for the bout and his fight against Rodriguez is also scheduled to be contested at 170 lbs.

Gastelum is known for his aggressive fighting style out of the southpaw stance and had even pushed Israel Adesanya to the limit in their interim middleweight championship clash at UFC 236 in 2019, but was unable to secure the win. Now, at a crucial point in his UFC career with only 1 win in his last 4 fights, Gastelum will be hoping to regain his momentum in the promotion with a win over Rodriguez. As such, let’s take a look and learn more about Kelvin Gastelum’s fighting style ahead of this must-win clash at UFC Saudi Arabia!

What is Kelvin Gastelum’s fighting style?

Kelvin Gastelum’s background in combat sports is based on his time as an amateur wrestler in high school and college. According to reports available online, Gastelum was a 5A Division II title holder in the AIA (Arizona Interscholastic Association) competition. He carried his wrestling journey forward when he joined North Idaho College and became a stand-out athlete by ranking fifth in the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) as a freshman.

However, at this point, Gastelum fell in love with mixed martial arts and even worked as a bail bondsman to support his dreams of MMA glory before devoting himself full-time to his martial arts training.

Kelvin Gastelum’s fighting style is highlighted by his quick hands and ability to fire off blinding fast 1-2 combinations. His wrestling background allows him to dictate where the fight takes place. He has also added to his wrestling skills by training in BJJ and holds a black belt in the ‘10th Planet Jiu Jitsu’ system under coach, Brian Beaumont.

According to information on Tapology, Gastelum currently holds 5 wins in his professional MMA career via KO/TKO and 5 wins via submission as well, highlighting his well-rounded MMA skill set and the ability to counter his opponent’s game plan with his skills.

But despite his remarkable talents, Gastelum has struggled to put together a significant win-streak in recent years. As such, in a recent interview with MMA Junkie, the 32-year-old fighter has indicated that his fight at UFC Saudi Arabia has put his “back up against the wall” in his MMA career!

Gastelum’s career is on the line at UFC Saudi Arabia 

Kelvin Gastelum began his UFC journey as the winner of ‘The Ultimate Fighter 18’ and while he has had some incredible moments in his 11-year run in the promotion, he has found himself at a crucial juncture after losing  6 of his last 8 fights.

As such, in his interview with MMA Junkie, Gastelum stated, “I feel like my back’s up against the wall a little bit… This one does feel a little different. I need a win. I’m in a must-win situation. I think both of us. I think loser goes home. Loser packs. And goes home and doesn’t sign with the UFC.”

Prior to his return to welterweight against Sean Brady last year, Gastelum had been competing at middleweight due to his struggles with cutting down to 170 lbs. However, in his interview, he revealed that he has had an easier time shedding weight this time around due to a better understanding of the process.

However, with a possible end to his UFC career looming, Gastelum stated, “It does (scare me) – it does. But at the same time I’m a man who always thinks positive, so we’re going to stay positive.” In conclusion, Kelvin Gastelum’s fight at UFC Saudi Arabia is a critical point in his career, with his future in the UFC hanging in the balance. The fans will be hoping that the 32-year-old manages to find a way to right his course and regain his spot as one of the UFC’s elite fighters!