Kelvin Gastelum accepts fight with Jack Hermansson

UFC Copenhagen may very well have a main event – and it’s looking to be the fight everyone was asking for.

Ever since the UFC announced the promotions debut in the Danish capital on september 27th, rising middleweight star Jack “The Joker” Hermansson (20-4) (who is Swedish, based in Norway) has been campaigning for a bout with long time contender and TUF-winner Kelvin Gastelum (15-4). So far though, it’s been the Scandinavian pushing for the fight, but it seems that has paid off.

Gastelum has been sidelined due to injury following his decision loss to Israel Adesanya for the interim title, but recently returned – and verbally agreed to face Hermansson in Copenhagen.

View this post on Instagram

I’m a little too excited! The doctor just gave me good news and cleared me to fight and start training ? After the war I had with Stylebender I had to make sure to take time off and make sure that when I get cleared, I was physically, brand spankin new. 11 weeks later that day has come and I’m ready to start looking for a return date! And my eyes are set for November. I want to thank you all for the continued support! Let’s continue this mission for gold! #OnAmission4Gold #KingsMMA #10thplanetJJ

A post shared by Kelvin Gastelum (@kgastelum) on Jun 29, 2019 at 10:40am PDT

My time table for my return inside the octagon is November. No doubt about it. @jackthejokermma is the fight to make. #OnAmission4Gold

— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) June 29, 2019

The crutch though is that Gastelum is shooting for a November return, whereas UFC Copenhagen takes place on September 27th. It remains to be seen if he is able to return earlier or if the UFC will opt for a different main event in Copenhagen.

The loss to Adesanya, in what is already considered one of the best fights of the year, snapped a two fight winning streak for Gastelum, who had knocked out former champion Michael Bisping and then defeated long time contender Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza via decision.

Hermansson is in his prime and has truly risen to the occasion in his past few fights. Aside from knocking out former titel challenger Thales Leites and making quick work of Gerald Meerschaert, he also tapped out BJJ-black belt David Branch in just 49 seconds. In his last outing, he stepped in on short notice to take on above mentioned “Jacare”, and scored a huge upset by earning a clear cut decision victory.

As of now the UFC has not officially commented on the potential bout, stay tuned to MMAnytt for further updates.