How judging controversies have shaped Kelvin Gastelum's UFN 44 game plan

Few winners from “The Ultimate Fighter” series have looked so promising in their first post-”TUF” bouts as Kelvin Gastelum, but the UFC Fight Night 44 co-headliner knows he’s one bad decision away from his first career loss.

Gastelum (8-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC), the surprise winner of “TUF 17,” is 3-0 in the UFC, and on Saturday, he takes on fellow welterweight Nico Musoke (12-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC). The FOX Sports 1-televised co-main event takes place at San Antonio’s AT&T Center.

Gastelum, fresh off a split-decision win over tough vet Rick Story at UFC 171, has made significant strides since his time on the reality series. He recently told MMAjunkie Radio it’s largely due to his status as a full-time fighter; prior to the show, he had a full-time job and could only train a couple hours every other day. Now, though, the 22-year-old Yuma United MMA fighter is focused solely on fighting, and it’s paid dividends with an undefeated pro record.

But like other fighters, Gastelum has seen the extent that MMA judges can play in a fighter’s career. There was Diego Sanchez’s baffling unanimous-decision victory over Ross Pearson earlier this month, and a week later, Andrei Arlovski picked up a questionable split-decision call over Brendan Schaub a week later.

Gastelum has to keep it in mind heading into Saturday’s fight.

“What I’ve seen was the guys that keep the pressure coming forward – even though they might not be landing as much or being as effective, but they are moving forward and trying to win the fight – I think that’s what the judges are seeing,” he said. “(They’re) giving those fighters the nod on the decisions.”

Check out the full chat above.

And for more on UFC Fight Night 44, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.