The sport of Mixed Martial Arts is a tough one. Fighters have to give their everything to reach the top of the ladder. Unfortunately, there is a harsh reality – not all succeed. For Kelvin Gastelum, the stakes remain much higher at UFC Saudi Arabia against Daniel Rodriguez. His job is potentially on the line in this fight.
Kelvin Gastelum was recently interviewed by MMA Junkie. The Ultimate Fighter 17 winner is embracing the challenge ahead. The former title challenger believes that the loser of his fight against Daniel Rodriguez would potentially lose their career in the UFC.
This one does feel a little different. I need a win. I’m in a must-win situation. I think both of us. I think loser goes home. Loser packs and goes home and doesn’t sign with the UFC.
Kelvin Gastelum via MMA Junkie
Both Kelvin Gastelum and Daniel Rodriguez are nearing the end of their contract with the UFC. A win for either of them remains necessary due to their recent outings. Gastelum is coming off a loss to Sean Brady. He has been 2-6 in his last eight fights in the UFC. As for Rodriguez, he is on a two-fight losing streak, the most recent of which was his fight against Ian Garry.
Gastelum’s brutal honesty underscores just how pivotal this fight is for his UFC future. He had an 11-year run with the promotion highlighted by an interim title challenge against Israel Adesanya. Another loss could mean being sent packing. This holds true for his opponent as well. Both fighters would give it their all and try to secure the next UFC contract.
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez: MMA career so far
Kelvin Gastelum and Daniel Rodriguez are preparing to fight this weekend at the debut card for Saudi Arabia. However, it’s hard not to notice the stark contrast in their respective resumes. Both men admittedly find themselves in potential make-or-break territory. However, Gastelum’s pedigree as an elite fighter vastly outshines that of his fellow fighter.
Differences in resume between Daniel Rodriguez vs. Kelvin Gastelum (via MMA Fighting)Gastelum has fought several former champions in his resume. He fought the likes of Michael Bisping, Chris Wiedman, Vitor Belfort, Robert Whittaker, and Adesanya. He further went on to share the octagon against the likes of Uriah Hall, Darren Till, and Sean Brady. Gastelum has fought absolute killers in his division. He may not have won them all, but the experience alone is worth a lot.
On the other hand, Daniel Rodriguez has a shorter career in the UFC. Rodriguez has shared the octagon with Garry, Mike Perry, Li Jingliang, and Kevin Lee. The difference between the caliber of fighters Gastelum has fought and that of Rodriguez is very contrasting. This would play a role in their upcoming battle at UFC Saudi Arabia, where their careers would be at stake.
