Dana White Confirms Gastelum, And Lineker Will Move Up Weight Classes
Leading up to UFC 183, both Kelvin Gastelum, and John Lineker missed weight, and not for the first time.
This marked the 2nd time Gastelum missed weight, coming in 9 pounds over the welterweight limit of 170 pounds for his co-main event bout against Tyron Woodley, which he ultimately lost via decision.
For Lineker, this was the 4th time he missed weight, coming in 5 pounds over the flyweight limit of 125 pounds. He on the other hand won his 3 round battle against Ian McCall on the preliminary card.
UFC President Dana White confirmed post-fight that both Lineker, and Gastelum would be forced to move up in weight due to their inability to consistently make their required weight limit in their respected divisions.
“Kelvin Gastelum, a kid that I love… clearly didn’t make weight. It is what it is. I can’t have this kid fight at 170 again and he’s barely making weight or coming in 10 pounds over. You can’t do it.”
When it came to John Lineker, White said:
“He beat the No. 3 guy in the world and he will never fight in that weight class again. This guy can’t make weight. What is this the fifth, sixth time he’s failed to make weight? He’s moving up. Look at the size of him! Why can’t he make that weight? I don’t understand.”