With perhaps a future 170-pound title shot hanging in the balance, Tyron Woodley and Kelvin Gastelum were more than motivated to score another key victory when they hooked 'em up tonight (Jan. 31, 2015) in the co-main event of UFC 183, which took place inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Woodley just wanted it more.
Woodley opened with a head kick that missed, forcing Gastelum to rethink his approach. Woodley then fired a straight right hand that snapped Gastelum's head back. Gastelum is trying to walk down Woodley, but he didn't have much success early. Midway through the round and not much action, both fighters trying to gauge each other.
Woodley landed a big left and Gastelum returned fire, scoring his most effective shots of the bout. Gastelum continued to keep up the pressure as Woodley circled away, disappointing the crowd that voiced its collective displeasure. And that's how the round ended, with a chorus of "boos."
More shadowboxing kicked off round two before an inadvertent eye poke stopped the non-action as Gastelum took a few seconds to ensure he could continue. On the restart, Woodley landed a nice kick to Gastelum's stomach. Shortly thereafter, Woodley landed a huge right that shook Gastelum, who weathered the storm even though he was momentarily rocked.
Woodley couldn't capitalize, even though he caught Gastelum with another right that backed him off when he came charging in. With one minute remaining in the round, both fighters once again began to dance, with Woodley landing yet another overhand right that Gastelum was able to absorb.
Third and final round and it seemed as though it was Woodley's match to lose. Likely aware of this possible outcome, Gastelum turned up the pressure, but Woodley once again caught him with that right hand. Gastelum backed him up against the cage and tried to rough up Woodley and he was able to finally do some damage.
Woodley circled out and the action resumed with Gastelum, a cut above his left eye, trying to get in striking range. He landed a looping left, but it had little effect. Woodley missed with a Super Man punch, but once again connected with a right hand.
With 10 seconds remaining, the pair finally opened up, but it was too little too late for the crowd, which once again showered them with boos as they awaited the judges decision, one that favored Woodley (29-28, 28-29 and 30-27).
Tough loss for Gastelum, his first-ever in mixed martial arts (MMA). One made worse by the fact that he will forfeit 30 percent of his purse to Woodley and possibly be forced to move up to Middleweight because he struggles to make the 170-pound limit.
For complete UFC 183: "Silva vs. Diaz" results, including play-by-play updates, click here.