Focused on regaining the middleweight title, Whittaker faces off against Gastelum tonight at UFC Las Vegas 24

R. Whittaker (left) and K. Gastelum (right) face each other in the UFC Las Vegas 24. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In the last event without the presence of fans, Ultimate is ready for another show. This Saturday (17), at UFC LasVegas 24, the organization will promote a spectacle with 11 clashes. The card's leading role will be Robert whittaker e Kelvin Gastelum, who exchange forces with an eye on a title fight.

See too

Gastelum says the winner of the duel against Whittaker should face Adesanya

Josiane Nunes' rival blows the scales by almost 4kg. and Brazilian debut at UFC Vegas 24 canceled

Robert Whittaker talks about changing opponents and praises Kelvin Gastelum

Initially, Whittaker was preparing to face the Brazilian promise, Paulo borrachinha. A strong flu, however, ended up taking the Minas Gerais player out of the match, who was promptly replaced by Gastelum.

PUBLICITY:

In the co-main fight, a confrontation brings fans an expectation of 'war'. MMA veteran, in a bad phase, needs to win to avoid the risk of being released from the organization. To do so, the American will need to overcome Drakkar Close, who is also coming off a defeat.

When announced, the UFC Las Vegas 24 would bring two Brazilian representatives, however, both were removed from their respective clashes. Ricardo Carcacinha would open the main card in the duel against Bill Algeo. The Tupiniquim, however, tested positive for Covid-19 and left the clash.

PUBLICITY:

Representative of roosters (up to 61,2kg.), Josiane Nunes would make his dream debut in Ultimate this weekend. At the official weigh-in for the show, held last Friday (16), Paraná's rival, Zarah Fairn, tipped the scales by almost 4kg. and she was not allowed to continue the fight. Thus, the Brazilian ended up being cut from the show.

Whittaker x Gastelum

Middleweight champion between 2017 and 2019, Whittaker wants to prove that he still has what it takes to be at the absolute top of the category. Defeated by Israel adesanya No. UFC 243, the Australian dreams of the opportunity to retaliate for the tough knockout he suffered against the Nigerian.

PUBLICITY:

After the setback to 'Izzy', Robert had two consistent performances, which put him in first place in the division rankings. In order to guarantee the biggest challenge for Adesanya, Ultimate decided to cast Whittaker against Borrachinha – defeated by Israel in September 2020.

The Brazilian, however, ended up leaving the show after suffering from a severe case of the flu, giving way to Gastelum. With the North American taking over the fight, the organization will finally hold a clash that should have taken place in 2019, at UFC 234. On that occasion, however, the Australian felt ill hours after the weigh-in and was removed from the show.

Interestingly, both fighters are looking for a rematch against Adesanya. While Whittaker ended up dethroned by the Nigerian, Gastelum, in 2019, was surpassed by the current champion in the dispute for the interim middleweight belt. The meeting between Kelvin and Israel, in fact, marked one of the best clashes of that year.

PUBLICITY:

Jeremy Stephens: all or nothing

MMA veteran, Jeremy Stephens He's not having a great moment in his career. Reaching his 48th fight as a professional in mixed martial arts, the North American will step into the Octagon with the obligation to win.

Former opponent of José Aldo In the featherweight category (up to 65,7kg), the athlete will try, in the lightweight category (up to 70,3kg), to recover from a series of five presentations without a positive result. To do this, the combatant must overcome Drakkar Klose, which also comes from a defeat in the organization.

Both athletes are known for their aggressive styles. This way, spectators can expect a lot of action in the fight that precedes the main confrontation.