UFC Shanghai: Kelvin Gastelum still ‘salty’ about Tyron Woodley loss, knows he can beat welterweight champ

Back in 2015, Tyron Woodley narrowly escaped with a split-decision win over Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 183 in a catchweight bout of 180 pounds after Kelvin failed to make weight.

Nearly three years later, Gastelum is still salty about the loss -- his first ever — saying he knows he can defeat the current Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight champion, all while hitting the 170-pound mark on the spot.

“I will admit, I am a little salty on that Woodley fight. I am a little hurt still after all those years. I want that rematch and I know I can beat him. I know I can make the weight,” said Kelvin during a recent interview with MMA Junkie.

With several failed weight cut attempts, Gastelum says he has learned from his mistakes and now that he is older, knows how to right his wrongs.

“I was immature, young and stupid. I feel like I learned from all those experiences. There has been a lot of trial and error in my career. When I fought him I was 23 years old, just a lot of trial and error in my career,” he added. “Finally were putting it all together. This is my thirteenth UFC fight, and we’re putting all the good and the bad experiences to make something that hopefully works.”

Over his last three fights, however, Gastelum has been competing as a middleweight, scoring wins over Vitor Belfort, Tim Kennedy, while coming up short against Chris Weidman is in last fight. And for the time being, the former Ultimate Fighter (TUF) winner will continue to fight at 185 pounds.

Up next is a collision against former middleweight champion Michael Bisping at this weekend’s (Sat., Nov. 25, 2017) UFC Fight Night 122 event in Shanghai, China. With a win, Kelvin says he can continue to climb the championship mountain, and could very well mean he stays put at 185 pounds despite his wishes to win the 170-pound title, as well.

“I got to be up there in those discussions, whether I fight for the middleweight title or welterweight title. I have always had my eyes set on that welterweight title, a rematch against Tyron. I win this fight I might’ve permanently cemented myself as a Middleweight whether I like it or not,” he concluded.

To see who else is fighting at the UFC Fight Night 122: “Gastelum vs Bisping” event click here.