The line is probably lower now because of his loss to Weidman. This really isn't a division for him with height and reach and size disadvantage. He also has solid but not great wrestling which is another thing that puts him at a disadvantage at this weight class in grappling. But his speed works well....just doesn't make up for the size disadvantage. Silva isn't what he use to be but it is mostly guys who he has to worry about in the wrestling department that give him problems. I think Gastelum being at a reach and size disadvantage won't be able to make the wrestling work for him here.......but his speed could be enough for an old Silva. Not worth 2-1 in my opinion as I wouldn't be surprised in Silva wins. To me taking the underdog Silva is the play. Hope Gastelum win though. Like to see him control his eating and get back to 170 if possible
I don't think Gastelum can make it at 170. He's too lazy to have that kind of discipline. And the longer he stays away from 170, the harder it will be for him to get back there. And let's say he goes back to 170 and makes the weight two times in a row, he will eventually revert to not making the weight there. And at that point there is no solution. I find his situation interesting. Had he lost to Kennedy he would've been essentially done for, which was part of the huge relief when he won.
But looking forward what will happen to Gastelum? He cannot go back to 170 because he will eat himself out of contention. So, realistically, the only solution for him is 185. And he has to win or he is out... but the more he wins, the higher he will go up in rank..... and then he will be simply outsized by the top monster guys.
Right now he is not just in a situation to win (as is the predicament of every UFC fighter), but he's in a situational conundrum. A loss for him is doubly brutal because 185 is not a natural place to be and he can't be at 170.
If Gastelum wins vs. Silva, who is his next opponent?
1a. Bisping
1b. Whittaker
2. Rockhold
3. Romero
4. Souza
5. Weidman
A win puts him up against an even tougher opponent. Now if he loses?
In the end I think he'll end up making millions. If he has to leave the UFC, then he can fight in Bellator.
Is it crazy to think that Rory vs. Gastelum would be a great fight? Think that would be a great battle
