Is Gastelum Next For Hermansson?

Is Gastelum Next For Hermansson?

By Graham Linden

Middleweight contenders Jack Hermansson and Kelvin Gastelum’s collision course could reach a crossroads on September 28th at UFC Copenhagen.

Taking time out of Swedish Midsommar festivities, Hermansson took to Instagram claiming:

“There will be a top-ranked Nordic middleweight fighting in Copenhagen”.

Hermansson (20-4 MMA, 7-2 UFC), a former Cage Warriors middleweight champion, cemented his position as one of the division’s top contenders with an impressive first round submission of David Branch in March, before a convincing win over Ronaldo “Jacaré” Souza via unanimous decision in April.

“The Joker” immediately looked to the future following his win over Souza:

“I heard there was a card in Copenhagen in October, I would love to headline that card. Give me a top name, what I ask from the UFC is to get the names that get me to that title. I obsessed with that title, that’s what I want in this sport.” Hermansson stated, “I think I need a good reward after that.”

Gastelum (15-4-1 MMA, 10-4-1 UFC), could make his first walk to the Octagon since his unanimous decision loss to Israel Adesanya back at UFC 236 in April. Looking to bounce back, a win over Hermansson would catapult the California native straight back into contention for the middleweight championship.

“We either win or we learn – We’re only going to get better, I’m only going to come back stronger. And make the things that I did wrong, we’re going to make them right. For the next few fights you’ll see the results.” Gastelum continued, “I’m going to keep my head up high, have a smile on and keep going forward.”

No official announcement from the UFC has been yet forthcoming to confirm Hermansson’s claims. However surveying the landscape of that division, the only top ten middleweight currently without a dance partner is Gastelum.

UFC on ESPN+ 18 will take place on September 28th 2019 at Royal Arena in Copenhagen.