Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman picked up a much needed win in the main event of last night’s UFC on FOX 25 event on Long Island, submitting surging division contender Kelvin Gastelum in the third-round.
The victory snapped a three-fight losing skid for the “All American”, as Weidman had previously suffered knockout losses to Luke Rockhold, Yoel Romero and Gegard Mousasi respectively.
Although Gastelum was eventually forced to tapout to Chris in round three, the 25-year-old came very close to finishing the fight in the late stages of round one when he dropped Weidman with a viscous left hand.
Check out this iconic photo from MMAFighting’s “Allelbows” which showcases the brutal power Kelvin Gastelum possesses in his left hand.
I know Chris Weidman just won, but @allelbows may have captured one of the craziest punchfaces I’ve ever seen. pic.twitter.com/oxEa7FuPNW
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) July 23, 2017
it doesn’t even look like weidman pic.twitter.com/bbHJP8zPb2
— Simon (@mmaboi21) July 23, 2017
Unfortunately for fans of Gastelum, the horn sounded to end the opening round before Kelvin could deliver enough ground and pound to put Weidman away.
Following the contest, Kelvin Gastelum announced his desire to return to the UFC’s welterweight division.
As for Chris Weidman, the former middleweight champion of the world issued the following challenge to current division title holder Michael “The Count” Bisping.
“I am so blessed. Lastly, that British bum who is crying who is crying in his freaking house right now. I’m back baby! I’m back! What’s up? Stop hiding from the real men. Let’s go baby! I am the champion and everybody knows it!”
Who would you like to see Kelvin Gastelum and Chris Weidman fight in their next octagon appearances? Sound off PENN Nation!
This story first appeared on BJPENN.com July 23/2017