Kelvin Gastelum Says Anderson Silva’s Second Potential USADA Violation ‘Affects His Legacy’

Kelvin Gastelum was deep into his preparations to face Anderson Silva at UFC Fight Night 122 in Shanghai, China on Nov. 25, but last weekend, he got the terrible news that the Brazilian had been pulled from the fight after being cited for a second potential violation of the USADA anti-doping program.

Luckily for Gastelum, former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping offered to fill in as a late replacement and the event was saved from a potential disaster.

Speaking to ‘The MMA Complex’ this past weekend at the first ever Combat Jiu-Jitsu event in El Monte, California, Gastelum described the emotions he went through when he heard the news about Silva.

“It was a crazy weekend and I felt sick to my stomach the whole weekend,” Gastelum said. “But, we got the deal done with Michael Bisping and he’s stepping in at short notice, let’s make it happen man.”

Gastelum was then asked about his feelings towards Silva. He was understandably upset, but didn’t appear to be dwelling on the Brazilian’s removal from the event.

“I felt stick to my stomach went I heard about the action,” Gastelum reiterated. “I wasn’t surprised, but it is what it is.

“I think it affects his legacy for sure. Now the question is how long has he been doing it?”

With Silva now out of the picture, Gastelum is now 100-percent focused on Bisping and getting his hand raised in Shanghai. The former TUF winner believes that win against the former champion could put him right back into the title mix at 185-pounds.

“I’m excited man he’s another former champion,” Gastelum said. “This will catapult me right back up to title contention you know. Not at all, not all [he’s not a bad replacement]. I think it’s actually a little bit better than that other fight because he was the champion. You know, I’m good.”

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