Kelvin Gastelum has withdrawn from the UFC Noche co-main event due to a facial fracture sustained in training. Find out more about this unfortunate development and the potential impact on the upcoming fight card.
Kelvin Gastelum, the renowned UFC fighter, has announced that he will be unable to participate in the scheduled UFC Noche co-main event on September 16. This unfortunate development is a result of a facial fracture sustained during training. Gastelum, who was set to face Shavkat Rakhmonov, was preparing to make his return to welterweight after a successful run at middleweight. His journey included a memorable interim title fight against Israel Adesanya in 2019.
The UFC Noche event holds special significance as it coincides with Mexican Independence Day. Gastelum, who has Mexican heritage and spent part of his childhood in the country, was eagerly anticipating this opportunity to showcase his skills. However, due to his injury, it is uncertain whether Rakhmonov will remain on the card.
Rakhmonov, an undefeated fighter with an impressive record of 17-0, is currently ranked No. 7 in the welterweight division by ESPN. He has made a name for himself in the UFC with five consecutive finishes in his five fights. The promotion is actively working to reschedule the Rakhmonov vs. Gastelum bout for UFC 294, which is set to take place on October 21 in Abu Dhabi. However, the timeline for Gastelum’s recovery remains uncertain.
In the meantime, UFC Noche will feature a highly anticipated women’s flyweight title fight between champion Alexa Grasso of Mexico and Valentina Shevchenko, the former titleholder whom Grasso defeated to claim the belt.
Summary
- Kelvin Gastelum withdraws from UFC Noche co-main event due to a facial fracture sustained in training
- Gastelum was set to face Shavkat Rakhmonov in his return to welterweight
- Rakhmonov, ranked No. 7 in the welterweight division, may not stay on the card
- The UFC is attempting to reschedule Rakhmonov vs. Gastelum for UFC 294
- UFC Noche will feature a women’s flyweight title fight between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko
| Fighters | Result |
|---|---|
| Kelvin Gastelum | Withdrawn due to injury |
| Shavkat Rakhmonov | Uncertain participation |
