UFC Fight Night 259: Kelvin Gastelum vs Dustin Stoltzfus

At UFC Fight Night 259, also known as Noche UFC 3, held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, middleweight fighters Kelvin Gastelum and Dustin Stoltzfus faced off in a highly anticipated bout. Gastelum entered the octagon with a record of 19 wins and 10 losses, while Stoltzfus came in with a record of 16 wins and 7 losses. The fight was scheduled as a three-round middleweight bout, but Gastelum missed weight by five pounds, weighing in at 191 pounds. As a result, the bout proceeded as a catchweight fight, with Gastelum forfeiting 35% of his purse to Stoltzfus.

The first round was closely contested, with both fighters having their moments. Gastelum showcased his striking prowess, landing several significant punches, while Stoltzfus utilized his grappling skills to control portions of the round. Despite Gastelum’s aggressive approach, Stoltzfus managed to secure a brief takedown, demonstrating his well-rounded skill set.

In the second round, Gastelum’s striking continued to shine. He stunned Stoltzfus with a fierce four-punch combination and floored him with a counter left hand. However, Stoltzfus displayed resilience by quickly recovering and attempting a takedown and submission, showcasing his grappling expertise. Despite Stoltzfus’s efforts, Gastelum’s striking remained the dominant factor in the round.

The third round featured more wild exchanges and power shots from both fighters. Gastelum’s left hand continued to be effective, landing clean shots on Stoltzfus. Stoltzfus, not to be outdone, pressed forward with aggressive striking and attempted to close the distance to initiate grappling exchanges. Despite Stoltzfus’s efforts, Gastelum’s striking accuracy and control of the octagon were evident throughout the round.

After three rounds of action, the judges awarded the fight to Kelvin Gastelum by unanimous decision, with scores of 30–27 and 29–28 on two of the judges’ cards. Gastelum’s superior striking and control of the fight earned him the victory, despite the challenges posed by Stoltzfus’s grappling.

While Gastelum secured the win, the bout highlighted ongoing concerns regarding his weight management and consistency in the octagon. His repeated weight misses and performance struggles have raised questions about his future in the UFC. Despite the victory, Gastelum’s long-term prospects remain uncertain, and the fight served as a reminder of the challenges fighters face in maintaining peak physical condition.

For Dustin Stoltzfus, the loss marked another setback in his UFC career. Despite his efforts and grappling skills, he was unable to overcome Gastelum’s striking dominance. With a UFC record of 3–7, Stoltzfus faces an uphill battle to remain on the promotion’s roster.

In conclusion, the Gastelum vs. Stoltzfus fight at UFC Fight Night 259 was a compelling matchup that showcased the contrasting styles of striking and grappling. Gastelum’s victory, while significant, was tempered by concerns about his weight management and consistency, leaving his future in the UFC uncertain.