The Pro Take: Robert Whittaker Dominates UFC Vegas 24 Main Event

By
Justin Gibbons
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Robert Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum, UFC Vegas 24
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 17: (L-R) Robert Whittaker of Australia kicks Kelvin Gastelum in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on April 17, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

It may not be on pay-per-view this time, but fight fans were in for a treat when they finally got to witness Robert Whittaker vs. Kelvin Gastelum.

We were so close to having Robert Whittaker vs. Kelvin Gastelum back in February of 2019, but unfortunately a hernia injury to Whittaker cancelled what was shaping up to be a very interesting match-up between the two fighters in Melbourne, Australia.

Flash forward to 2021, and the highly anticipated main event we all were bummed about losing back in 2019 finally arrived. With Paulo Costa being forced out due to an illness, Kelvin Gastelum stepped up to save the UFC Vegas 24 main event, while trying to secure his spot once again as the next in line for a shot at the UFC middleweight championship. Likewise, Robert Whittaker wanted to show the world that he had evolved since the first time he was booked to face Gastelum, and wanted it to be him who got a rematch with Israel Adesanya.

In the end, Robert Whittaker put on a striking clinic against a very tough opponent in Kelvin Gastelum, landing crisp jabs and perfectly placed head kicks set up by excellent movement. Heading into the fifth and final round, Gastelum needed a finish as Whittaker looked to be ahead on the scorecards — but Whittaker was a step ahead and showcased an amazing performance that most likely punched his ticket to a rematch for Middleweight gold.

PROS GIVE THEIR TAKE

Here is how the pros reacted to the UFC Vegas 24 main event between Robert Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum.

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