Bisping sees 'win-win' in UFC-Shanghai meeting with Gastelum – who isn't mad, either

It was touch-and-go there for a second, but Kelvin Gastelum isn’t mad about the way things have turned out.

In fact, apart from probably Anderson Silva, UFC Fight Night 122’s headlining matchup seems to be sitting well with all parties involved.

Gastelum was originally supposed to continue his legend-hunting mission opposite former 185-pound kingpin Silva in Shanghai on Nov. 25 when, about two weeks out, a drug test failure by the ex-champ put a damper on everyone’s plans. (via Twitter)

Losing not only one of its headliners, but also an ex-champ with a big name certainly felt like a hit to the UFC’s debut in mainland China. Then, in what turned out to be quite the turn of events, another man with a name and former champion credentials stepped in.

Now, as he prepares to meet Michael Bisping (30-8 MMA, 20-8 UFC), Gastelum (13-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) doesn’t think he lost anything by missing out on the twice-scrapped meeting with Silva (34-8 MMA, 17-4 UFC) – in fact, it’s quite the opposite.

“I only feel like it’s an advantage career-wise,” Gastelum said during a media day call ahead of the FS1-televised middleweight bout. “Mike is obviously a former champion, and he’s highly ranked, and his position in the UFC is very high. So this is a great move for my career.

“If I win this fight, it will put me up high in the rankings, and I’ll be in the conversation to fight for the title. That’s ultimately my goal. He’s ranked No. 2 (in the official UFC rankings), fresh off his title fight with GSP. I feel like this is an even better fight for my career, and I expect it to be a tough fight.”

It makes sense that Gastelum appreciates the matchup. After all, not only did he get to keep the headliner he’d been preparing for – he got to keep its prestige, too. After a TKO win over Vitor Belfort – which was later overturned after Gastelum tested positive for marijuana metabolites – and a UFC on FOX 25 loss to Chris Weidman, Gastelum now prepares to meet his third ex-UFC-champ in a row.

It’s a different story for Bisping. To say he’s coming into the bout fresh off a title-costing loss to Georges St-Pierre is an understatement, as the two bouts will only be three weeks part. Not to mention, he’s facing an opponent who’s coming off a loss, and, although promising, has yet to prove himself at the 185-pound division.

For Bisping himself, though, taking this one on was a pretty easy call.

“I don’t see how I could’ve turned this down,” Bisping said. “I honestly think this is a win-win situation for me. I get to go out there, get back in the win column hopefully, put on a great fight, show what I’m capable of, and I get paid again. It’s all positive from my perspective.”

If anything, clarifying he’s “A-OK” and has been cleared by the doctors following the painful submission loss that cost him the belt and a put an end to a five-fight winning streak, Bisping welcomes the chance to re-route.

“Obviously (UFC 217) didn’t go my way,” Bisping said. “The best way to rectify that is to get straight back on the horse, so to speak, try to get back in the win column. Physically I’m totally fine, 100 percent fine. Mentally, of course, I’m a little pissed off.

“I want to rectify that and exorcise my demons. Best way to do that: I’m a professional fighter. Get back in the cage and fight again.”

As for 42-year-old Silva, who’d already served an USADA-issued suspension due to a failed test in 2015? Well, it’s hard to tell from the overall cryptic tone of his single statement on the matter, but it would appear we haven’t seen the last of him yet. (via Twitter)

For more on UFC Fight Night 122, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.