Kelvin Gastelum eyeing a future rematch with Israel Adesanya: “I want to be champion”

UFC middleweight contender Kelvin Gastelum is trying to get back to the gold.

The former title challenger returned over the weekend at UFC 287. On the prelims, Gastelum faced Chris Curtis, and the two put on a show. The two exchanged massive shots for all three rounds, even getting ‘Fight of the Night’ honors for their performance.

Ultimately, it was the former title challenger who got the win by unanimous decision. It was a victory that Gastelum badly needed, as it snapped a two-fight losing streak for him. Prior to the win over ‘Action Man’, the middleweight contender had suffered decision losses to Robert Whittaker and Jared Cannonier.

Just a few days on from that victory, Kelvin Gastelum is looking to keep the momentum going. During a video published on his YouTube channel, he stated his goal is to make it back to championship contention. Specifically, Gastelum wants a rematch of his 2019 classic with Israel Adesanya.

In that classic at UFC 236, ‘The Last Stylebender’ won by unanimous decision. Feeling fresh off his recent win, Gastelum has a new focus on a potential rematch with the middleweight champion. He added that he was already planning out future moves with his management team to make a second fight with Adesanya a reality.

Kelvin Gastelum discusses future rematch with Israel Adesanya

“We got the win, mission accomplished for now,” Kelvin Gastelum said on his YouTube channel. “I’m back on my feet. This is like I said, the renaissance of K.G. … I’m ready to take it to another level. I’m ready to go all the way this time. All the way to the belt. Maybe a rematch with ‘Izzy,’ who knows? That’s the goal, why not?” (h/t MMA Mania)

“People want to see that fight,” he continued. “I want to be champion. I’m not just saying that just to say it. I mean that. So, that’s where I’m working towards. I’m talking to my manager about what the next steps are.”

What do you make of these comments? Do you want to see Israel Adesanya vs. Kelvin Gastelum 2? Sound off in the comment section below PENN Nation!