At UFC 243, Gastelum believes in Whittaker's victory, but prefers to see Adesanya as champion

Average weight (up to 83,9kg.), Kelvin Gastelum, former challenger for the category's interim title and protagonist of one of the most exciting duels of 2019, gave his opinion on the duel involving the linear belt holder, Robert whittaker e Israel adesanya, fur UFC 243, which will take place in October. According to Kelvin, Robert should maintain his hegemony, but, for the fighter, his preference was for the Nigerian to be the absolute champion. The statement was made in a recent interview with 'South China Morning Post'.

“It will be an interesting fight, because Israel brings a very large arsenal of skills. Many technique options. But I think Rob (Robert whittaker) has the tools to beat it. I think he will win, but, being selfish, I would like Israel to win so I can take his belt,” said Kelvin. The American, together with Adesanya, were responsible for starring in an extremely disputed fight, which took place in February, at UFC 234. At the time, the fighters faced each other for the interim middleweight belt. The winner would thus have the right to face Whittaker, who was recovering from an injury. Israel, after five rounds, ended up being declared the winner with a unanimous decision by the judges. The clash, however, received a standing ovation from the audience present. Still motivated by the defeat, Gastelum would like to be able to repeat the fight and, if that happens, the fact could be even more interesting if Adesanya is the owner of the linear title. “I just want the rematch. You are defeated and then review every detail. Then, you want to go back there and do the right things”, concluded the North American. Kelvin hasn't fought since the clash against Israel. Before the setback against the Nigerian, the athlete had two important victories in his career. One, about the former champion Michael Bisping and the last against the Brazilian Ronaldo Jacare, which was going through a major phase at the time. The duel between Adesanya and the champion Robert whittaker for the unification of the middleweight belt will take place on October 10 in Melbourne, Australia.