Just as the MMA community was about to embark on a state of euphoria with the return of fight nights, their hopes were crushed due to unforeseen circumstances. Former UFC Middleweight title challenger, Kelvin Gastelum, was slated to kick start the new year for the UFC. With a pivotal bout against Nassourdine Imavov at the Apex center.
However, due to a serious staph infection suffered by the Mexican, he has been forced to pull out of the fight. Rendering his contest with the surging Imavov, to be canceled.
First UFC main event of 2023 has underwent a last minute change. Gastelum out with a mouth injury, Sean Strickland has agreed to replace him against Imavov. Five rounds, but now 205 pounds per UFC officials. This is now back to back UFC events headlined by Strickland. pic.twitter.com/ivg7VXl0qT
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) January 9, 2023
Fortunately for Imavov, Middleweight mainstay, Sean Strickland, has stepped in to replace Gastelum in the main event of the 185lbs fight.
However, Gastelum has come under scrutiny for the infection he has sustained by none other than former UFC two-weight world champion, Conor McGregor. Needless to say, the Irishman wasn’t pleased with Gastelum and has sounded off on the 31-year-old.
Conor McGregor hits out at Kelvin Gastelum.
Conor McGregor is not one to shy away from speaking his mind, if his history is any indication. Whether the matter in hand is of any relevance to him or not, the Notorious one tends to share his unequivocal thoughts.
The 34-year-old, in light of the news of the injury sustained by Gastelum, shared his insights on the gravity of the injury suffered and has identified the cause of it.
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Taking to his story on Instagram, McGregor made a scathing statement directed at the former Welterweight. He said:
“Absolute scruff this thing is. That’s full on staph infection all over his face. A full fu**ing hole omg and its his second time to enter competition like this. wtf! clean your mats, wash yourself. fu**ing go to the doctor. Scruff!”
A staph infection is not something to be played about with. The gravity of the injuries sustained can have career-altering repercussions if not dealt with in a timely manner.
Also read: Georges St-Pierre Once Explained to Joe Rogan Why Khabib Nurmagomedov Was the ‘Scariest’ UFC Fighter
What’s next for Gastelum?
Gastelum is currently ranked as the 13th Middleweight in the official UFC rankings. He possesses a record of a staggering 5 losses and just one victory in his past six fights.
Given that his fight has now been called off, best believe that the American will now be in pursuit of another contender before the first quarter draws to a close.
2023 will be a crucial year for the Middleweight gatekeeper, as he looks to rise up the ranks once again.
Also read: How Many PPV Buys Did Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren Do- Is ‘The Problem Child’ Quitting Boxing?
