One of Kelvin Gastelum’s greatest strengths is his ability to move forward through adversity. It’s an attribute he’s applied in and outside of the cage as the 25-year-old middleweight has fought to persevere in battles of both physical and mental.
 
While Gastelum has experienced success and setbacks alike in the fight game, the Kings MMA representative has kept his focus solely in the positive realm because he believes a lesson can be found in every step taken. Gastelum’s refusal to let negativity take hold has allowed him to bounce back stronger at every turn.
 
“I always look at the positive side of things,” Gastelum told FloCombat. “I don’t like get negative about anything. I don’t like to think or say negative things and I always look at the bright side of things. There is no point of dwelling on past mistakes because I feel my mistakes have led me to where I need to be to fix the things I need to fix. I’m only going to get better and keep moving forward.”
 
Gastelum will be forced to show his resilience once more as he’s coming off controversy that landed him a 90-day suspension and overturned the biggest win of his career while putting his most high profile fight to date on ice.
 
The Ultimate Fighter winner scored an impressive first round stoppage legend Vitor Belfort in the main event at UFC Fight Night 106 then signed on to face former middleweight king Anderson Silva before he could even leave Brazil. Nevertheless, Gastelum tested positive for Marijuana and the momentum of his rise up the 185-pound ranks was brought to a halt.
 
Gastelum faced up to the situation, took his punishment and now has his sights set on getting back to the chase on July 22. That’s when he’ll face embattled former middleweight champion Chris Weidman at UFC on Fox 25 in a fight that could serve to be a crucial tilt for both men involved.
 
“It feels super good to get a name like [Chris] Weidman because I wanted a big fight after Anderson Silva turned it down,” Gastelum said. “He was offered the fight but I was told he refused to take the fight in New York so they called Chris Weidman. Now we are fighting in his backyard and I’m happy. I was hoping I’d get a big name because I want to continue rising up the rankings as always.
 
“Weidman is the next fight and I’m excited. After I win this fight I want to see if I can get a shot at the title, whether that’s at 170 or 185, I feel like should get a shot.”
 
While Gastelum knows a victory over Weidman will put him closer to the a shot at the middleweight title, he believes all the outside pressure in this matchup will fall on the New York native. The Serra-Longo has dropped three straight showings with two of those losses coming in front of his home state crowd.
Where a former champion often battles to stay relevant after losing the title, Weidman could very well have his job on the line when he steps into the Octagon at UFC on Fox 25. Gastelum is well aware of the stakes his opponent is facing and believes those circumstances have to be taken into consideration while preparing for the fight.
 
“It’s absolutely something I consider,” Gastelum said. “Just try to put yourself in his shoes. He’s not only fighting for his job, he’s fighting for his family and it’s in his own backyard. He’s fighting for something much bigger than just a W that night and I feel like all the pressure is going to be on him.
 
“I have nothing to worry about. I just have to go out there and put on a show like I know I can. Put on a show like I did in Brazil.”

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