Kelvin Gastelum Suspended 6 Months for Failing to Appear at UFC 205 Weigh-Ins

Kelvin Gastelum’s decision to skip the official early weigh-ins ahead of UFC 205 could cost him more than just a missed fight purse.

The UFC welterweight has received a six-month suspension from the New York State Athletic Comission for failing to appear at weigh-ins on the morning of Nov. 11 at Affinia Manhattan in New York City. Sherdog.com confirmed the news with a NYSAC official following an initial report from ESPN.com.

Gastelum was supposed to face Donald Cerrone in a featured 170-pound bout at UFC 205. According to NYSAC rules, a fighter must come within five pounds of his opponent for the contest to proceed. Gastelum was believed to be well past that mark, while Cerrone checked in at 170.4 pounds. The bout was canceled and Cerrone was subsequently booked to face Matt Brown at UFC 206 in Toronto on Dec. 10.

UFC President Dana White has since said that Gastelum will have to move to middleweight for his next Octagon appearance. Gastelum’s manager, Ali Abedlaziz, told ESPN.com that they will appeal the fighter’s suspension. If the punishment stands, Gastelum will not be able to return to active competition until May 2017.