Gastelum: Dolce snub ‘bittersweet’

Kelvin Gastelum won the 17 season of The Ultimate Fighter, at 185. When he dropped to 170, he secured the services of diet and nutrition guru Mike Dolce, and made weight.

For his second fight at welterweight, vs. Rick Story, Gastelum did not use Dolce, and missed weight. The fighter later said his weight cut hit a plateau, leading to an unsatisfying a split decision win.

For his third fight at welterweight, vs. Nicholas Musoke, Gastelum continued to maintain it was more cost effective to use Dolce’s book than the coach himself.

He’s expensive, said Gastelum to Steven Marrocco at the time, laughing.

At this point, I think it is (too expensive). I tried him once because I wanted to make that cut to 170 right the first time, and I thought I was going to be able to handle it the second time on my own, but I had some complications.

My weight dropped pretty good this time. I stuck really strictly to my diet because I was scared this was going to happen again. But now, my weight is pretty good, and I should be ready to go (for Friday’s weigh-ins).

Then Gastelum missed weight again.

Gastelum said publicly that he wanted to work with Dolce in preparation for the fight with Jake Ellenberger in the co-main event of UFC 180, live Saturday night on PPV. ESPN reported that Gastelum and Dolce would not be working together for UFC 180 due to a scheduling conflict. However, Dolce showed up in Mexico City.

Ariel Helwani asked the fighter what was going on.

“He’s not working with me,” said Gastelum. “I did contact him, before coming out here, and I had no response. So I don’t know what the deal was.”

Helwani asked Gastelum if he was bothered that Dolce did not get back to him.

“I mean, yes and no, you know” said the fighter. “He’s a busy guy. I don’t know what he’s got going on in his life. He’s got issues. I don’t know if he’s got issues, or other important things going on. So, I mean, it doesn’t bother me, much. But, yes it does, because I wanted the help, and now he’s here, but it’s kind of bittersweet, I guess.”

“I’m feeling great. I’ve only got a few pounds left to lose, and I’m still eating, I’m still drinking water, and feel 100%.

Helwani asked Gastelum if he would make weight.

“Yeah,” said Gastelum. “No problem.”

For his part, Dolce said Gastelum should be fighting at 155.