The UFC sets up shop in Long Island, New York for the first time in history this weekend for UFC on Fox 25.

The main event features a fascinating middleweight conflict with New York native Chris Weidman trying to finish an ugly string of conflicts against Kelvin Gastelum.
The remaining portion of the card features several fun fights for some hard-core fans. Keep an eye on Jimmie Rivera vs Thomas Almeida, that has serious fight of the night possible.
Weidman (+140), the former UFC middleweight champion, is in need of a triumph in this bout to prove that he belongs among the division’s elite. ‘The All-American’ is a pressure-based fighter at the striking game who will push forward behind a stable, if occasionally loose jab. Weidman likes to throw kicks and he can do this at all 3 levels with a preference toward the midsection. The biggest problem is his propensity to move in a straight line, both forward and backward.
This pressure helps Weidman push his competitor to the cage in which he could start to work his fighting match. He will throw diverse strikes in the clinch and this helps open his wrestling. A former D1 wrestler, Weidman’s takedown method is smooth and he uses it both defensively and offensively. Once he is on the mat, then you can really see Weidman glow with his mix of wrestling ability along with his black belt in BJJ.
Gastelum (-170) has the aggression and speed in the striking department to assist conquer his size disadvantage at middleweight. He overwhelms his competitor with quantity and will always probe with his jab. He’s primarily a fighter at the standup game but his toes are only as dangerous as a result of his pace and motion. Combining this pressure together with his ability to keep his lead foot on the outside leaves Gastelum deadly on the feet.
Gastelum’s athleticism helps considerably in his wrestling match, as his takedowns are largely based on an opportunistic explosion. That will not help with his defense, as he’s far from the top defensively. Gastelum has always had difficulty against high-quality wrestlers and that may only grow given the leap up to middleweight.
This is an intriguing fight for the future of the 185-pound division. The branch is deep with talent but only one of these two fighters could be considered elite moving forward. That being said, Weidman and Gastelum are both likely two wins away from a title taken with the division being congested.

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