Kelvin Gastelum (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Kelvin Gastelum has recorded some pretty big wins during his lengthy, UFC run. But, the middleweight contender understands his victory at UFC 287 ranks as one of his most important.

Gastelum faced Chris Curtis at the recent, Miami event, and after the thrilling contest, he received a unanimous decision nod from the judges. The win, which snapped a two-fight losing skid for Gastelum, was just his second victory since 2018.

Although Gastelum’s most recent losses have come against top-tier competition in the likes of Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker and Jared Cannonier, the 31-year-old believes he may have been in a must-win situation at UFC 287 (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“It’s just knowing that I have a job still,” Gastelum told reporters after the victory. “I feel like my job was on the line tonight, and knowing that I will be hopefully having a job still – having that security, it feels good.

“I’m not going to stick around too much longer. I’ve got a good four or five years in me left fighting these top guys. That’s what I plan on doing for the next four to five years. We’re going to go on another title run.”

The win came nearly 11 years after Gastelum won “The Ultimate Fighter” back in 2013, by recording a decision victory over Uriah Hall.

“(It’s) up there with winning ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ because this was such an important fight for me – for my life, for my family, for my legacy. It was a very important fight for me.”

Due to the win, Gastelum’s overall record is now 17-8 and the fighter has moved up one spot in the UFC’s middleweight rankings, at #11.