Top Picks for UFC Vegas 34: Jared Cannonier vs. Kelvin Gastelum

This Saturday, August 21st, the UFC is kicking off with UFC Vegas 34: Jared Cannonier vs. Kelvin Gastelum. This is potentially a very exciting card with some interesting matchups. Read below to get my prediction and pick for the main event, Jared Cannonier vs. Kelvin Gastelum. 

Jared Cannonier vs. Kelvin Gastelum

UFC Middleweight Bout 

Saturday, August 21, 2021 – 11:15 PM EDT at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas

Jared Cannonier

Jared “the Killa Gorilla” Cannonier is an American mixed martial artist currently ranked #3 in the UFC Middleweight division. His professional MMA career began in 2011 and amassed a record of 7-0 in the span of five years; he fought under the promotions: Midnight Sun Mayhem and Alaska Fighting Championship. 

In 2015, Cannonier made his UFC debut as a heavyweight against Shawn Jordan and lost via KO in the first round, making that his first professional loss. After three fights in the UFC, the Killa Gorilla moved down to the light heavyweight division; his first light heavyweight bout was against Ion Cutelaba in 2016 and won via unanimous decision. 

In 2019, Cannonier moved down again to the middleweight division and fought against David Branch; he won via T/KO in the second round. Of all his professional accomplishments, Cannonier has achieved: AFC Heavyweight Championship, UFC Fight of the Night (one time), and Performance of the Night (three times). 

Kelvin Gastelum

Kelvin Gastelum is an American mixed martial artist currently ranked #9 in the UFC Middleweight division. In highschool and college, Gastelum was a very successful wrestler. He won a Division III AIA State wrestling title in high school, and was ranked fifth in the country while attending North Idaho College. 

Gastelum’s professional career began in 2010 and amassed a 5-0 record before appearing on the Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale in 2013. He competed against Uriah Hall and won via split decision. After many years fighting professionally, Gastelum has achieved many accomplishments: 2014 Breakthrough Fighter of the Year, the Ultimate Fighter 17 Winner, Fighter of the Night (four times), and Performance of the Night (three times). 

Prediction

I included this breakdown also in my Top UFC Picks video, but if you’d prefer to read then here's a written point of view. 

The current UFC Odds are: Jared Cannonier -156 and Kelvin Gastelum +136 via BetOnline (Visit our BetOnline Review). 

I feel as if some bettors are siding with Cannonier because of his physique and his incredible power. They also see that Gastelum is 1-4 in his last five bouts. However, let’s take into account who those losses were against: Israel Adesanya (unanimous decision), Darren Till (split decision), Jack Hermansson (submission), and Robert Whittaker (unanimous decision). These are some of the toughest guys in the division. 

You could also point out a mutual opponent in Jack Hermansson; Cannonier defeated Hermansson by T/KO in the second round while Gastelum lost via submission. I truly believe Gastelum has a tougher chin than Hermansson, and Cannonier will not be able to defeat Gastelum on the ground. 

The Killa Gorilla has landed one successful takedown in all 11 of his UFC bouts. Meanwhile, Gastelum has averaged 1.16 takedowns every 15 minutes. Cannonier holds that knockout power, which is a good threat, but Gastelum has skills all around. 

I envision both fighters trying to wear each other down with leg kicks at the start. Gastelum could wear down Cannonier on the ground if he's able to land one successfully, and also with his abundance of movement on the feet. Cannonier tends to be very still on his feet with little head movement. This could be tricky against a fighter like Gastelum who can trap his opponents with his agility. All he needs to do is survive the power of Cannonier. I’m expecting Gastelum to redeem himself this Saturday night.

UFC Pick: Kelvin Gastelum +134 via BetOnline (Visit our BetOnline Review)

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