Kelvin Gastelum

Kelvin Gastelum (born October 24, 1991) is an American professional mixed martial artist.

He currently competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Gastelum earned a contract with the UFC after winning The Ultimate Fighter 17 in 2013.

Gastelum has also competed in the middleweight division.

Gastelum is of Mexican descent.

His family is from Obregon, Sonora, where he lived temporarily during his childhood.

Gastelum won a 5A Division II AIA state wrestling title out of Cibola High School and continued to wrestle at North Idaho College, where he was ranked as high as fifth in the country (NJCAA) as a freshman before deciding to compete in mixed martial arts professionally.

He worked as a bail bondsman prior to training MMA full-time.

After turning professional, Gastelum amassed an undefeated record of five wins (all finishes) and no losses before competing in The Ultimate Fighter.

In January 2013, it was announced that Gastelum was selected for The Ultimate Fighter: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen.

To get into the TUF house, Gastelum defeated Kito Andrews by decision.

During the choosing of teams, he was picked last by coach Chael Sonnen for Team Sonnen.

Gastelum's next fight in the house was against Bubba McDaniel.

He won in the second round via rear naked choke submission.

In the quarterfinals, Gastelum would take on Collin Hart.

He won the fight by TKO in the first round.

In the semifinals, Gastelum fought Josh Samman.

He won via first round rear naked choke, and advanced to the tournament finals.

Gastelum faced teammate Uriah Hall in the finals at the Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale.

Gastelum won the fight via split decision, becoming the youngest winner in the show's history at 21 years old and earned a UFC contract.

After the victory, Gastelum announced he would be moving down a weight class to compete in the UFC's welterweight division.

Gastelum was expected to face Paulo Thiago on August 28, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 27.

However, Thiago pulled out of the bout citing a knee injury and was replaced by Brian Melancon.

Gastelum finished Melancon via rear naked choke in the first round.

Gastelum was expected to face Court McGee on December 14, 2013, at UFC on Fox 9, but was forced to withdraw due to a torn PCL.

Gastelum faced Rick Story on March 15, 2014, at UFC 171.

He won the back-and-forth fight via split decision.

Gastelum faced Nico Musoke on June 28, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 44.

Gastelum missed weight by one and three-quarter pounds and forfeited 20% of his fight purse to Musoke.

He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Gastelum next fought Jake Ellenberger on November 15, 2014, at UFC 180 as the co-main event.

He won the fight in the first round via rear-naked choke.

The win also earned Gastelum his first Performance of the Night bonus award.

Gastelum next faced Tyron Woodley on January 31, 2015, at UFC 183.

He missed weight by 10 lbs and was fined 30% of his fight purse which would be given to Woodley.

He lost the fight via split decision.

In the post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Woodley said that he would not accept 30% of Gastelum's purse, as him missing weight and losing was enough punishment.

Due to Gastelum not being able to make weight on two occasions while fighting in the welterweight division in the UFC, UFC president Dana White ordered Gastelum to move up to middleweight.

In his return to middleweight, Gastelum faced Nate Marquardt at UFC 188 on June 13, 2015.

He won the fight via TKO after Marquardt's corner stopped the fight between the second and third round.