The UFC sets up shop in Long Island, New York for the first time in history this weekend for UFC on Fox 25.
The main event features a fascinating middleweight conflict with New York native Chris Weidman looking to end an ugly string of fights against Kelvin Gastelum.
The rest of the card includes several fun fights for some hardcore fans. Keep an eye on Jimmie Rivera vs Thomas Almeida, that has serious struggle of the nighttime possible.
Weidman (+140), the former UFC middleweight champion, is needing a win in this bout to prove that he belongs among the division’s elite. ‘The All-American’ is a pressure-based fighter at the game who will push forward behind a stable, if sometimes loose jab. Weidman likes to throw kicks and he can do this at all three levels with a taste toward the waist. The largest issue is his tendency to move in a straight line, both backward and forward.
This stress helps Weidman push his competitor to the cage in which he could start to perform his fighting match. He’ll throw diverse strikes in the clinch and this will help open up his wrestling. A former D1 wrestler, Weidman’s takedown method is smooth and he uses it both defensively and offensively. When he is on the mat, you really can see Weidman glow with his mix of wrestling ability along with his black belt in BJJ.
Gastelum (-170) gets the aggression and speed in the striking section to assist conquer his size disadvantage at middleweight. He overwhelms his opponent with volume and will constantly probe with his jab. He’s primarily a boxer in the standup game but his feet are just as dangerous due to his pace and movement. Combining this pressure together with his ability to keep his lead foot on the outside leaves Gastelum deadly on the feet.
Gastelum’s athleticism assists greatly in his wrestling game, as his takedowns are mostly based in an opportunistic explosion. That doesn’t assist with his defense, as he is far from the top defensively. Gastelum has always had trouble against high-quality wrestlers which may just grow given the leap up to middleweight.
This is an intriguing fight for the future of this 185-pound branch. The branch is deep with talent however one of these two fighters could be looked at elite moving ahead. That being said, Weidman and Gastelum are both likely two wins away from a title taken with the division being congested.
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