UFC Fight Night 27 Preview

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Welterweights

Kelvin Gastelum (6-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Brian Melancon (7-2, 1-0 UFC)

The Matchup: Gastelum defied the odds to win Season 17 of “The Ultimate Fighter” when he outworked the heavily hyped Uriah Hall to win a split decision at the show’s April finale. What made Gastelum successful was his ability to consistently move forward and disrupt the timing of the flashier Hall, who seemed out of sorts against his opponent’s relentless pressure. He also showed an admirable fearlessness in wading through Hall’s kicks and punches, especially considering the destructive force the Team Tiger Schulman product was on the reality show.

The 21-year-old Gastelum still has plenty of room for improvement. His output slowed somewhat over the final two frames and his tendency to launch wide power punches leaves him susceptible to counters, but the Yuma United Mixed Martial Arts representative can mask his shortcomings with sheer tenacity.

Gastelum will be facing a very different type of foe for his second Octagon appearance in Melancon, a no-nonsense banger who, like the “Ultimate Fighter” winner, relies heavily on power strikes, forward movement and takedowns. A two-time Strikeforce competitor, Melancon repeatedly showcased the power in his left hand en route to a first-round knockout triumph over Seth Baczynski in his UFC debut. Melancon’s left hook is especially dangerous, as he set the tone by rattling Baczynski with it early in the bout, putting the “Polish Pistola” on the defensive for the remainder of their confrontation.

Melancon and Gastelum will likely meet each other in the center of the cage; it is just a matter of who will be able to impose his will first. One of Gastelum’s best traits is his ability to remain busy. Whether it is moving forward on the feet, in tie-ups against the fence or on the ground, the Arizonan is always looking to land offense. However, the wild strikes he sometimes uses to close the distance could come back to haunt him against Melancon, an able counterpuncher who floored Baczynski with a left hand as he attempted to advance. Additionally, Gastelum was not particularly adept at holding position after landing takedowns against Hall, which could bode well for Melancon on the mat.

The Pick: Gastelum’s willingness to brawl could eventually lead to his demise. Melancon has an answer for most everything the young welterweight does well, allowing him to win via technical knockout in round two.

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