Kelvin Gastelum’s UFC career could be at risk following a dramatic weight miss at Noche UFC, where he weighed in at 191lb—five pounds over the extended 186lb middleweight limit. This marks the highest weigh-in of his career and his fifth under the UFC banner.
Gastelum, scheduled to face Dustin Stoltzfus, arrived just before the two-hour weigh-in window closed, striking a confident pose for the scales without stripping down. The miss has resulted in a 35% purse fine, though the bout is still expected to proceed.
The fighter has a history of weight issues. Early in his career, he missed weight multiple times at welterweight before moving up to middleweight, where he contended for the title. After losses to top middleweights like Israel Adesanya, he attempted to move back down, but struggles continued, including a missed weight against Daniel Rodriguez last year.
Fans are now calling on UFC President Dana White to cut Gastelum from the promotion, citing his repeated failures to make weight. Social media has been flooded with demands for action, with comparisons drawn to recent UFC decisions, such as Bryan Battle’s release following a similar infraction.
The decision now rests with White, who must determine whether Gastelum’s career in the UFC can continue despite his ongoing weight management issues.
