TUF 17 champion comes out in defense of Sonnen after dismissal: 'Shame what they're doing'

K. Gastelum (photo) was on Sonnen's team at TUF 17. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Much of the MMA community directed harsh criticism at Chael Sonnen following the new doping case of the former fighter, recently retired from the sport after being caught in a preliminary exam for UFC 175, who was also fired from his role on the official Ultimate program on North American TV. But there are also those who come to the defense of the North American. It is the case that Kelvin Gastelum, TUF 17 champion and member of the Sonnen team on the reality show. In your profile on Twitter, Gastelum commented on the situation experienced by the former coach and condemned the repercussion of the case.

“It is a shame what they are doing to a man who dedicated himself so passionately to this company and helped build the sport alongside it. So he just goes there and gets dismissed? That’s not cool,” wrote Kelvin, who tried to explain that his position does not mean that he does not repudiate Sonnen’s doping. “I do not condone the actions he took, even though they were necessary for medical reasons. It’s just sad to see a pioneer of the sport go down this path”, he explained.

At 22, Kelvin Gastelum has a perfect record of 9 wins. The youngest champion in the history of the reality show, Gastelum was the last choice of the Chael Sonnen, but won the home tournament and reached the final against the big favorite Uriah Hall – his teammate and who had brutally knocked out all his opponents on the program. In the decision, Kelvin once again surprised and beat Hall in the judges' decision.