(Editor’s note: Story updated to add a tweet from Gastelum commenting on the situation.)
Kelvin Gastelum will fight at UFC 244, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s in the clear.
On Friday morning, Gastelum was the last fighter to hit the scale during the official weigh-ins at the host hotel in New York. His team frantically rubbed him down behind the curtain to remove as much sweat as possible from his skin. Shielded by New York State Athletic Commission officials holding a towel, Gastelum stripped down naked, stepped on the scale, and – surprisingly, given the circumstances – was announced as weighing 184 pounds, a full two pounds under the 186 limit.
Gastelum and his coach, Rafael Cordeiro, let out a big sigh of relief. All was right – except maybe it wasn’t.
Upon further review, video appears to show Gastelum’s elbow touching Cordeiro, who was positioned behind the towel and to the right of Gastelum, calling into question the legitimacy of his 184 mark ahead of his middleweight fight with Darren Till.
By late Friday afternoon, the NYSAC issued a statement that it was aware of the potential infraction but said Gastelum’s “official weight determination will not be disturbed,” adding that he “will not be disqualified from competing at UFC 244.” The commission said it would continue review the matter and that Gastelum would be disciplined if clear evidence shows wrongdoing.
You can read the NYSAC’s statement here (via ESPN):
“The Commission has reviewed the footage available to it at this time of Mr. Gastelum’s weigh-in. The official weight determination will not be disturbed, and Mr. Gastelum will not be disqualified from competing at UFC 244, as the possible contact indicated in the video cannot be said to have materially impacted Mr. Gastelum’s weight to the extent that it would have exceeded the applicable weight limit allowable for competition in the match. The Commission will continue to review the matter and disciplinary action will be pursued if clear evidence of contact with another person during the weigh-in process becomes evident, as any such contact is a violation of Commission policy.”
UPDATE (6:18 p.m. ET): Gastelum called the situation “fake news” in a tweet.
#FakeNews Don’t believe everything you read. Lets do this tomorrow! Thank you all for your support! #UFC244
