Kelvin Gastelum's persistent struggles with weight management have once again dominated headlines, this time following a significant miss at the Noche UFC weigh-ins. Five pounds over the middleweight limit for his fight against Dustin Stoltzfus marked Gastelum's fourth such incident in his UFC career, sparking widespread outrage and criticism from fellow fighters and fans alike.
The fight will proceed as a catchweight contest, but Gastelum will face a substantial 35 percent fine for his failure to meet the weight requirement. This repeated pattern of missed weight calls into question Gastelum's commitment to professional standards and has fueled a growing sense of frustration within the MMA community. Despite the upcoming bout, many have questioned his professionalism and future prospects within the UFC.
Veteran middleweight Derek Brunson's reaction encapsulated the prevailing sentiment. In a humorous yet pointed comment, Brunson quipped, "Five pounds, damn. Buddy just said F it!" The remark reflects a broader concern regarding Gastelum's repeated inability to manage his weight, suggesting a lack of discipline or a potential underlying issue. The suggestion that Gastelum should have fought Bryan Battle, another recently released fighter who also struggled with weight, underscores the seriousness of the problem and the potential consequences for fighters who consistently fail to make weight.
Social media and online forums are ablaze with commentary, with many expressing disappointment and questioning Gastelum's dedication to his career. The incident raises important questions about weight management within professional mixed martial arts and the need for stricter regulations to ensure fairness and athlete well-being. While Gastelum will get a chance to compete, the lingering impact of his repeated weight issues will undoubtedly impact his reputation and future opportunities.
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Originally published at: https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/403548/buddy-just-said-f-it-pros-react-to-kelvin-gastelums-huge-weight-miss-at-noche-ufc
