Kevin Gastelum Cleared to Train, Targets November Return vs. Jack Hermansson

Kelvin Gastelum needed some time to recover after a memorable five-round interim title fight with Israel Adesanya at UFC 236. Now that he’s cleared to train and fight again, “The Ultimate Fighter 17” winner has his sights set on a return date.

“I’m a little too excited! The doctor just gave me good news and cleared me to fight and start training,” Gastelum wrote on Instagram. “After the war I had with Stylebender I had to make sure to take time off and make sure that when I get cleared, I was physically, brand spankin new. [Eleven] weeks later that day has come and I’m ready to start looking for a return date! And my eyes are set for November. I want to thank you all for the continued support! Let’s continue this mission for gold!”

The 27-year-old Yuma, Ariz., native already has an opponent in mind for his next UFC appearance, as he has targeted a future showdown with Jack Hermansson. The 31-year-old Swede has established himself as a person of interest in the middleweight division thanks to a four-fight winning streak that included finishes of Thales Leites, Gerald Meerschaert and David Branch as well as a five-round verdict over top contender Ronaldo Souza in the UFC Fight Night 150 headliner on April 27.

My time table for my return inside the octagon is November. No doubt about it. @jackthejokermma is the fight to make. #OnAmission4Gold

— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) June 29, 2019

Prior to coming up short against Adesanya, Gastelum had posted back-to-back triumphs against Souza and Michael Bisping. He is 4-2 with one no contest since moving to 185 pounds from welterweight.

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I’m a little too excited! The doctor just gave me good news and cleared me to fight and start training After the war I had with Stylebender I had to make sure to take time off and make sure that when I get cleared, I was physically, brand spankin new. 11 weeks later that day has come and I’m ready to start looking for a return date! And my eyes are set for November. I want to thank you all for the continued support! Let’s continue this mission for gold! #OnAmission4Gold #KingsMMA #10thplanetJJ

A post shared by Kelvin Gastelum (@kgastelum) on Jun 29, 2019 at 10:40am PDT