Noche UFC Dustin Stoltzfus vs. Kelvin Gastelum: Middleweight Preview and Prediction

The UFC middleweight division continues to deliver intriguing matchups, and the upcoming clash between Dustin Stoltzfus and Kelvin Gastelum has fans curious about how these two contrasting fighters will match up inside the Octagon. Gastelum is a proven veteran who has fought some of the best in the world, while Stoltzfus is still looking to carve his place among the division’s elite.

When Are They Fighting?

Dustin Stoltzfus and Kelvin Gastelum are scheduled to meet on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, as part of UFC Fight Night: Noche UFC 259.

Dustin Stoltzfus: Hungry to Prove Himself

Dustin Stoltzfus has been a steady presence in the UFC’s middleweight division since earning his contract through Dana White’s Contender Series. Known for his grappling ability and durability, Stoltzfus often brings a grinding style into the cage. While his UFC run has been mixed, he has shown resilience and flashes of skill that suggest he could trouble seasoned opponents. A win over Gastelum would mark the biggest victory of his career and establish him as a serious player in the division.

Kelvin Gastelum: The Experienced Veteran

Kelvin Gastelum has one of the deepest résumés in the middleweight division. A former title challenger who went five hard rounds with Israel Adesanya in a classic, Gastelum has consistently faced top-level opposition. His sharp boxing, pressure, and toughness have made him a fan favorite, though inconsistency and weight issues have hindered his momentum. This matchup provides him a chance to reassert himself against a hungry contender.

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Tale of the Tape

Fighter	Dustin Stoltzfus	Kelvin Gastelum
Record	15-5	18-9 (1 NC)
Height	6’0”	5’9”
Reach	75 in	71.5 in
Fighting Style	Grappling-heavy	Boxing/Wrestling
Age	32	33

Key Factors to Watch

Stoltzfus’ grappling: If he can control Gastelum on the ground, he could nullify the veteran’s boxing advantage.
Gastelum’s boxing: His speed, combinations, and head movement could make the difference in exchanges.
Experience gap: Gastelum has fought champions and elite contenders, while Stoltzfus has yet to face that caliber consistently.

Prediction

Stoltzfus has the tools to make this competitive, especially if he can implement his grappling and slow down the pace. However, Gastelum’s experience, striking sharpness, and proven durability make him a tough puzzle to solve. Unless Stoltzfus can dominate on the mat, Gastelum’s boxing and pressure are likely to overwhelm him over the course of three rounds.

Prediction: Kelvin Gastelum wins via unanimous decision.