After being unable to attend the first UFC main event of the year, Kelvin Gastelum has apparently been scheduled for his octagon comeback.
Alex Behunin of MMA Mania reports that Gastelum will square off against Chris Curtis on April 8 in the middleweight division of UFC 287. Although the location of the card has not yet been determined, rumours point to Brooklyn, New York, as the most likely candidate.
The youngest athlete on the promotion’s roster, 18-year-old Raul Rosas Jr., will compete against Christian Rodriguez on the card in his second UFC fight.
The remainder of the card presently appears as follows:
Adrian Yanez vs. Rob Font.
Luana Pinheiro versus Michelle Waterson
Loopy Godinez vs. Cynthia Calvillo
Nikolas Motta vs. Ignacio Bahamondes
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke vs. Steve Garcia Jr.
Originally, Nassourdine Imavov and Kelvin Gastelum were supposed to be the main event of the first UFC event of 2023 on January 14. The former interim title contender, though, was forced to withdraw because of a horrifying mouth injury, further delaying his return to the octagon.
Since losing against Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision in August 2021, Kelvin Gastelum has not competed. Chris Curtis, meanwhile, just defeated Joaquin Buckley via highlight-reel KO at UFC 282 in December. A decision loss to Jack Hermansson ended ‘Action- Man’s’ four-fight winning streak, but he recovered.
