On Saturday the main event delivered as Robert Whittaker put on a methodical striking display against Kelvin Gastelum.
Specifically, the former middleweight champion managed to show a lot of new wrinkles in his striking game. Head kicks have always been a big part of Whittaker’s striking acumen but now he’s using them differently. The former champion uses head kicks to set up other strikes more effectively now. Certainly, after the stand-up display, and the awkward movements of the former champion, fans are clamoring for the biggest Oceanic fight in UFC history.
UFC Vegas 24 In Hindsight – Whittaker and Gastelum Slung Leather
Despite dropping a unanimous decision loss, Gastelum is still a top figure in the middleweight division. As of right now, Gastelum’s boxing will be troublesome for most up-and-coming fighters. While he already has competed for an interim title, it’s important to remember that Gastelum is only 29-years old. Even though Rafael Cordiero’s pupil didn’t get the job done, he put on a good show and obviously has a high ceiling in the sport.
Came up short tonight
Appreciate everyone’s support 🙏
I’m gonna go back and make sure that doesn’t happen next time!
Still….#OnAmission4Gold— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) April 18, 2021
“Came up short tonight. Gastelum posted. Appreciate everyone’s support I’m gonna go back and make sure that doesn’t happen next time! Still….#OnAmission4Gold”
Prior to his setback to Whittaker, Gastelum had recently picked up a nice win over the surging prospect Ian Heinisch. However, before that, the middleweight was on a three-fight slump but it was against very elite competitors in Israel Adesanya, Darren Till, and Jack Hermansson.
On the other hand, ever since “The Reaper” lost his belt to Adesanya, it seems the fighter is a man on a mission now. Each time out, the former middleweight kingpin has shown why he held the belt as long as he did. After two wins over Yoel Romero, it seemed some questioned if he still had the durability he once had, and it turns out he does. Not only that, but the former champion also continues to evolve and is now on a 3-fight win streak since losing his title.
Pros React To Whittaker’s Win
The former middleweight champion continues to adapt. Post-mortem, social media and pros reacted to the spectacular performance.
Whittaker looks so damn good! Kelvin is still coming though. Amazing fight. 🙏🏽 #UFCVegas24
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) April 18, 2021
Whitaker looking super sharp and Gastelum staying tough in the exchanges. This fight is beautiful.
— Andre Fili (@TouchyFili) April 18, 2021
Whittaker just sniping Gastelum every time he steps forward in his range. Gotta break the rhythm. Can’t just walk right in without the feints and stance switches against this type of high level footwork. #UFCVegas24
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) April 18, 2021
Good job my son.
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) April 18, 2021
Congrats to Whitaker on amazing performance. Gastelum as tough as they come !
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) April 18, 2021
Robert Whittaker is the #1 contender and the rightful challenger for the middleweight belt #UFCVegas24
— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) April 18, 2021
Whittaker Adesanya 2 is gonna be such a solid fight 👌🏻👌🏻
— Chase Hooper (@chase_hooper) April 18, 2021
KG is a dawg man! I thought for sure Whittaker was going to finish it this RD. Gastelum battling back. We might have a classic if they keep up this pace #UFCVegas24
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) April 18, 2021
What did you make of the UFC Vegas 24 event? Let us know your opinion below!
