Kelvin Gastelum vs Ian Heinisch pits two middleweight fighters with different fighting styles against each other. Gastelum is looking to snap his three-fight losing streak while Heinisch hopes to win his second consecutive fight. Gastelum has the stamina to go toe-to-toe with a fighter like Heinisch and should get back on track this weekend.
UFC 258 in Las Vegas will feature Kelvin Gastelum vs Ian Heinisch in a middleweight matchup. Gastelum is riding an unfortunate three-fight losing streak, but he’s faced some tough competition in his defense. The last time we saw Gastelum, he was beaten into submission by Jack Hermansson in the 1st round. That was back in July 2020, but he looks poised to steer the ship against Heinisch. MMA predictions and the best UFC betting sites give him the edge as he comes into this matchup as the betting favorite. The NJ online sportsbook review has breakdowns for the top betting sites in NJ. BetMGM has the best moneyine odds for Gastelum at -213, while 888sport is the best sportsbook to bet on the underdog as they have Heinisch listed at +180. Heinisch is coming into this fight fresh off an impressive first-round KO/TKO victory against Gerald Meershaert. Before that, however, he had lost two fights in a row. “The Hurricane” is currently the No. 15 ranked fighter in the middleweight division, while Gastelum is ranked No. 9. Heinisch may be the better all-around fighter, and he’s gotten better at striking, but Gastelum has the UFC fighting experience. Heinisch can use Gastelum’s recent drop in form as motivation to take him out, but he’ll have to find a way to catch Gastelum by surprise. Gastelum’s boxing prowess will be difficult for Heinisch to overcome, and for that reason, I think Gastelum will end up winning this match by decision. BetMGM has those odds listed at +120. It’s somewhat of a “safe bet,” but I have to give Gastelum the benefit of the doubt, especially considering that he’s arguably in a more desperate situation despite being ranked higher than Heinisch.
Heinisch is a good all-around fighter. His recent Muay Thai training adds an element to his fighting technique that will make it difficult for Gastelum to withstand. Still, Gastelum needs this win, or else his UFC career will be in serious jeopardy. My prediction: Gastelum wins by split decision.
