Kelvin Gastelum's Win Over Vitor Belfort Overturned To No Contest
Kelvin Gastelum's Win Over Vitor Belfort Overturned To No Contest
UFC middleweight Kelvin Gastelum has been punished by USADA after positive test for marijuana metabolites.
By Shawn Smith
Kelvin Gastelum might be one of the biggest fan favorites in the UFC right now for his relentless striking style, but he just can't seem to stay out of trouble.
After Gastelum was originally declared the victor over Vitor Belfort at UFC Fight Night 106 in March, the result has been overturned and declared a no contest after Gastelum tested positive for marijuana.
According to MMA Fighting, the win was overturned and Gastelum was fined 20 percent of his fight purse, as well as a 90-day suspension. MMAFighting also reported that the positive test cost Gastelum the opportunity to fight Anderson Silva at UFC 212 on June 3.
The ruling is a major blow to the rising momentum Gastelum had. While the Arizona-based fighter was having difficulty making welterweight on the regular, his move to middleweight seemed to be going well. After split decision losses to Tyron Woodley and Neil Magny, Gastelum moved to 185 pounds and cruised past Johny Hendricks before dominating Tim Kennedy into retirement.
The win over Belfort should have been his springboard into the elite of the division. We'll have to wait and see what comes next for Gastelum.
Is it time for marijuana to no longer be a PED or should Gastelum follow the rules, no matter what? Is the punishment fair?
Let us know what you guys think.
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Kelvin Gastelum might be one of the biggest fan favorites in the UFC right now for his relentless striking style, but he just can't seem to stay out of trouble.
After Gastelum was originally declared the victor over Vitor Belfort at UFC Fight Night 106 in March, the result has been overturned and declared a no contest after Gastelum tested positive for marijuana.
According to MMA Fighting, the win was overturned and Gastelum was fined 20 percent of his fight purse, as well as a 90-day suspension. MMAFighting also reported that the positive test cost Gastelum the opportunity to fight Anderson Silva at UFC 212 on June 3.
The ruling is a major blow to the rising momentum Gastelum had. While the Arizona-based fighter was having difficulty making welterweight on the regular, his move to middleweight seemed to be going well. After split decision losses to Tyron Woodley and Neil Magny, Gastelum moved to 185 pounds and cruised past Johny Hendricks before dominating Tim Kennedy into retirement.
The win over Belfort should have been his springboard into the elite of the division. We'll have to wait and see what comes next for Gastelum.
Is it time for marijuana to no longer be a PED or should Gastelum follow the rules, no matter what? Is the punishment fair?
Let us know what you guys think.
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