Tyron Woodley vs. Kelvin Gastelum: What We Learned from the Welterweight Tilt

By the time Kelvin Gastelum and Tyron Woodley entered the Octagon at UFC 183, it had been quite a week. Gastelum had missed weight by an almost comically large amount, while Woodley stood to be the biggest test of his young career.

The two managed to make it to the fight, but by the time they did, it seemed most of the crowd had already checked out. It wasn’t the most exciting fight in UFC history, but there have definitely been worse despite how loudly and quickly it was booed by those in attendance.

Still, here’s what we learned from the Woodley victory.

What We’ll Remember About This Fight

It just seemed cursed. From Gastelum missing weight to the hot crowd turning on the bout quickly, it just didn’t come together as well as it looked like it would on paper.

This should have been a hot prospect coming into his own against one of the top guys in the division, and instead it became intermittent spurts of action taking place in front of a chorus of boos. The whole thing had a weird feel, but it made sense considering the week that led to it.

What We Learned About Tyron Woodley

He’s probably exactly as relevant as he’ll ever be in the welterweight division right now.

He’s a good athlete who seems to improve incrementally every time he enters the cage, but he’s already into his 30s and doesn’t seem to rise to the occasion, even in victory. This was a chance to make a statement against an ill-prepared opponent, and he won by decision.

He can look good at times and beat a lot of guys the UFC will put in front of him, but no one is clamoring to see him fight for a title.

With that in mind, this is probably as good as it gets: He's established as elite but will likely never hold a title.

What We Learned About Kelvin Gastelum

His inability to make weight is a shame, considering how talented he is.

He wasn’t remotely outclassed by Woodley, even in defeat. Though his gas tank wasn’t there and his movement was subpar to what we’ve become accustomed to, he managed to score some big combinations and make the fight competitive.

If he could get on point and hit the scales properly, he could be something special.

What’s Next for Woodley

A bout with Matt Brown would be nice, but he could also stand to resolve some unfinished business with Carlos Condit later this year.

What’s Next for Gastelum

It may not be a popular call, but seeing him remain at welterweight and get on point would be nice. One more chance against Tarec Saffiedine could be good to see.

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