MMA Preview – Robert Whittaker vs Kelvin Gastelum at UFC Vegas 24
ROBERT WHITTAKER VS KELVIN GASTELUM FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 24? Saturday 17th April, 2021 - 23:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 24? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 24? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC Vegas 24 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 24? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ROBERT WHITTAKER VS KELVIN GASTELUM LOWDOWN
The former middleweight champion and one of the most humble fighters in the sport, Robert Whittaker (22-5) makes the walk to the octagon regaining momentum after his knockout loss to Israel Adesanya back in 2019. That title fight loss snapped an incredible nine-fight winning streak, but he looks back to his best with unanimous decisions over top contenders – Darren Till and Jared Cannonier.
Paulo Costa was the next animal lined up for Whittaker but as he has had to pull out, Kelvin Gastelum (16-6(1)) steps up to the plate for another mouth-watering clash. He is also fresh off a classy unanimous decision win over Ian Heinisch which came after a three-fight skid. He also lost to Israel Adesanya giving the champion his toughest ever fight at middleweight in a five-round war. He also lost a decision to Darren Till but a split one and then got submitted by Jack Hermansson.
ROBERT WHITTAKER VS KELVIN GASTELUM PREDICTION
They are both former welterweights, but Whittaker is a natural 185 er whereas Gastelum should be down at 170 lbs and if he just committed to losing a bit of excess timber, he would be one of the most threatening title contenders.
Anyway, Whittaker has the size and power advantage complimented by a two-inch reach and three-inch height advantage. Gastelum is used to fighting the bigger fighter and is clearly very accomplished at it, however, besides hand speed, Whittaker has the edge in every area.
They are both quality wrestlers, but we expect this to remain on the feet. Whittaker should have the defence to avoid Gastelum’s rapid 1-2 down the pipe and be able to pile on the combinations. Expect a close opening two rounds but for Whittaker to get stronger as the fight goes on. His cardio will allow him to up the pace and volume, landing on Gastelum the more he fatigues.
Expect Whittaker to throw leg kicks and that jab from the waist catching Gastelum as he tries to close the distance and the looser Whittaker gets the more likely his patented combination finishing with the head kick will land. Gastelum will be expecting that combination but Whittaker’s set-ups will make it so hard to defend against especially as the shorter fighter.
We expect another hard-fought but polished performance from Whittaker with Gastelum’s toughness dragging this to the bell.
Prediction: Whittaker via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
