Kelvin Gastelum vs Chris Curtis at UFC 287

KELVIN GASTELUM VS CHRIS CURTIS FACTS

When is UFC 287? Saturday 9 April, 2023 - 01:00 (UK)

Where is UFC 287? Miami-Dade Arena, Miami, Florida (US)

Where can I get tickets for UFC 287?

What channel is UFC 287 on? BT Sport 1

Where can I stream UFC 287? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website

KELVIN GASTELUM VS CHRIS CURTIS LOWDOWN

Kelvin Gastelum (16-8(1)) finally returns after not fighting since 2021. He has started to forget that winning feeling going 1-5 in his last six slugging it out with the very best in the middleweight division. He put on that spectacle with Israel Adesanya (2019) losing a unanimous decision followed by a split decision loss to Darren Till (2019) and a submission to Jack Hermansson (2020). He broke up the rut with a unanimous decision win over Ian Heinisch (2021) but was on the receiving end of two more against Robert Whittaker (2021) and Jared Cannonier (2021).

Chris Curtis (30-9) has carried out his entire UFC career since Gastelum last fought. He kicked off his UFC chapter in unforgettable style pulling off upsets on short notice knocking out Phil Hawes (2021) and Brendan Allen (2021). He followed that up with a unanimous decision over submission wizard Rodolfo Vieira (2022) but then Hermansson (2022) snapped the eight-fight win streak with a calculated unanimous decision. However, he quickly got back in the win column in December by knocking out Joaquin Buckley.

KELVIN GASTELUM VS CHRIS CURTIS PREDICTION

Gastelum finally gets a step-down in competition, but this is still an incredibly tough fight especially after a long layoff. This could easily be a ‘Fight of the Night’ display as we expect them throw hands.

They are both exceptional boxers. Curtis is more technical and patient with great defence whereas Gastelum relies on his hand speed with a lethal 1-2 down the pipe. If Gastelum is smart, he will mix in his wrestling.

However, we can see Gastelum having the ego to stand which Curtis will be thrilled by. Curtis will slide into the pocket and attack the body setting up head shots. He has the power to stop Gastelum in his tracks which why it makes more sense for Gastelum to wrestle.

We feel this depends on Gastelum’s game plan and if takedowns are not part of it, it is going to be a long night and Curtis has the ability to knock him out. Considering his form, you would think he would be smart, but this can go either way.

Prediction: Gastelum via Decision -