Ultimate Fighter Winner Earns Breakthrough Victory At UFC 180

UFC 180 surprised critics and despite an underwhelming card on paper, delivered one of the most action packed shows of the year. A huge contributor to that action was Ultimate Fighter 17 winner Kelvin Gastelum continuing his undefeated streak en route to his biggest win to date.

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Gastelum entered UFC 180 with a 9-0 record overall and five consecutive wins in the UFC. In previous years, such a streak would earn a title shot, but as the experience levels experience levels have dipped, the road gets longer. Gastelum was booked against #7-ranked Jake Ellenberger, who holds signature victories over Jake Shields, Diego Sanchez and Nate Marquardt.

After coming up empty on a takedown to start the fight, Gastelum landed a superman punch that set up a smooth takedown. Ellenberger worked back up to his feet, ate a couple of punches but threw Gastelum to the mat and looked to gain an advantage. Gastelum had other plans and scrambled immediately, took Ellenberger's back and locked on a rear-naked choke for the win with only 14 seconds left in the round.

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The win is a big one for Gastelum– his first top 10 opponent. At only 23 years old, Gastelum has an infinitely bright future in front of him and endeared himself to all of Mexico tonight. He'll likely get a big name opponent to truly gauge his place in the division. If he ends up winning, the UFC could strap a rocketship to his back, if he comes up empty he's still only 23 years old.

Ellenberger's fate remains to be seen. Despite being ranked seventh, he's dropped his third straight fight– a feat that often ends with UFC fighters getting their walking papers.

To check out full results from UFC 180, click here.

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