UFC middleweight Kelvin Gastelum is set to make his return to competition. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto reports that Gastelum and Jack Hermansson have agreed to fight each other on July 18 on Fight Island. Both fighters have yet to sign a contract.
Gastelum is looking to bounce back from a two-fight losing streak. His last loss was against Darren Till by split decision at UFC 244 on November 2, 2019. After his loss, Gastelum was suspended by USADA for a second violation of the UFC’s anti-doping policy for marijuana. He accepted a nine moth suspension and was able to reduce five months by completing drug treatment. The timing worked out in Gastelum’s favor as he was able to recover from a full LCL tear from January. Gastelum alluded to fighting in the summer when he spoke with MMA Fighting on May 3.
Hermansson is coming off a TKO loss against Jared Cannonier at UFC Fight Night 160 on September 28, 2019. Before his loss, Hermansson was on a four-fight win streak. He was scheduled to fight former UFC middleweight champion, Chris Weidman, at UFC Fight Night 174 on May 2. The fight was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The UFC has yet to announce the fight. UFC President Dana White is looking to introduce Fight Island this summer for UFC events. The planned date for UFC Fight Island is June 27.