The⁢ mixed martial arts community is ⁤once again grappling with the issue of fighter weight-cutting‍ after Kelvin Gastelum missed⁢ weight for his scheduled bout against Dusko Todorovic at⁢ Noche UFC.⁣ ‍Gastelum weighed in five pounds over the 185-pound middleweight limit,marking the fourth time in his 25-fight UFC career that he has failed to make weight.

This latest incident, confirmed by official weigh-in results reported september 12,2025,by MMA Fighting,has sparked a wave of criticism from fellow fighters and fans alike. While the fight is still expected to proceed as a⁤ catchweight contest – meaning it will take place at a⁤ weight agreed upon by both fighters, in this case likely closer to Gastelum’s actual weight – he will forfeit 35% of his purse to Todorovic.

Gastelum’s history with weight ⁣issues is well-documented. He initially competed in the welterweight division (170⁢ pounds) before moving up to middleweight, a shift often made by fighters struggling to consistently cut‍ to the lower weight class. Though, the repeated failures to meet the middleweight limit raise serious questions about preparation, discipline, and the potential health risks associated⁣ with ⁤extreme weight cuts.

The reaction from within the UFC has been pointed. Veteran middleweight Derek Brunson, known ‍for his candidness, publicly‍ commented⁢ on the situation, suggesting Gastelum simply “gave ⁤up” on the weight cut. Brunson even joked that Gastelum should have⁤ rather faced Bryan Battle, another fighter recently released from the UFC who also faced difficulties making weight. This highlights a growing concern within the sport about⁤ the consequences of‍ repeated weight-cutting failures,⁣ potentially impacting ⁤a fighter