Adesanya Vs. Gastelum: Before The Epic 5th Round

The fight between Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236 was nothing short of legendary. It was a clash of wills, skills, and heart that had fans on the edge of their seats. While the fifth round is often hailed as the defining moment, understanding what happened in the rounds leading up to it provides crucial context to appreciate the epic showdown fully. Let's dive into the Adesanya vs. Gastelum fight before the fifth round.

The Stakes Were High

Before we dissect the fight itself, it's important to remember what was on the line. Both Adesanya and Gastelum were vying for the interim UFC Middleweight Championship. This wasn't just another fight; it was a pivotal moment in both their careers. Adesanya, the rising star with his unorthodox striking and charismatic personality, was looking to solidify his place at the top. Gastelum, the gritty veteran known for his toughness and boxing, was determined to prove he belonged among the elite. The interim title meant a guaranteed shot at the undisputed champion, Robert Whittaker, adding even more pressure and significance to the bout. The atmosphere was electric, with anticipation hanging heavy in the air as the two warriors prepared to battle it out. Everyone knew this fight had the potential to be special, a classic that fans would talk about for years to come. The blend of Adesanya's precision and Gastelum's relentless pressure created a compelling narrative that drew in fans worldwide.

Rounds 1 & 2: Feeling Out Process and Early Exchanges

The opening rounds were a fascinating display of strategy and tactical maneuvering. In the first round, Adesanya came out showcasing his signature striking prowess. Using his reach advantage, he peppered Gastelum with jabs and kicks, trying to establish control of the distance. Gastelum, known for his aggressive boxing, attempted to close the gap and land his power punches. However, Adesanya's footwork and movement proved to be a challenge. He circled away effectively, avoiding Gastelum's initial bursts of attacks. While Adesanya was landing more frequently, Gastelum's punches carried significant weight. Each time he connected, Adesanya felt the impact. The first round was relatively close, with Adesanya likely edging it out due to his higher volume of strikes and control of the range. He used his length well and managed to keep Gastelum at bay for the most part. Round two saw Gastelum making adjustments. He began to time his entries better, cutting off the cage and cornering Adesanya more effectively. This allowed him to land some of his signature combinations. Adesanya, however, continued to fire back with his own strikes, creating some exciting exchanges. Towards the end of the second round, Gastelum landed a powerful left hand that visibly rocked Adesanya. This moment shifted the momentum of the fight, signaling to Adesanya that Gastelum's power was a serious threat.

Rounds 3 & 4: High Drama and Championship Intensity

Rounds three and four were where the fight truly transcended into legendary status. In the third round, Kelvin Gastelum came out with renewed aggression, capitalizing on the momentum he gained at the end of the second. He continued to pressure Adesanya, forcing him to fight off his back foot. Gastelum's boxing combinations found their mark with increasing frequency, and he started to land his powerful left hand consistently. Adesanya, though visibly hurt, showed incredible heart and resilience. He continued to fire back, landing some clean shots of his own, but Gastelum's pressure was relentless. Mid-way through the round, Gastelum landed a head kick that stunned Adesanya badly. Adesanya wobbled, and Gastelum swarmed, unleashing a barrage of punches. It looked like the fight might be stopped, but Adesanya somehow managed to survive, using his clinch work and evasive movement to weather the storm. He showed an incredible ability to recover, and by the end of the round, he had cleared his head. The fourth round saw Israel Adesanya making adjustments, trying to regain control of the fight. He started to use his jab more effectively, keeping Gastelum at bay and disrupting his rhythm. Adesanya also began to incorporate more leg kicks, targeting Gastelum's lead leg to slow him down. Gastelum, however, continued to press forward, undeterred by Adesanya's adjustments. He landed several more powerful punches, and Adesanya was visibly tiring. The round was a back-and-forth battle of wills, with both fighters digging deep and pushing through the pain. At the end of the fourth, the fight was incredibly close, with many observers feeling that Gastelum was slightly ahead on the scorecards.

Adesanya's Corner Advice

Going into the fifth round, it was clear that Adesanya needed to make a significant change if he wanted to win. His corner, led by Eugene Bareman, delivered a passionate and urgent pep talk. They emphasized the need for Adesanya to leave no doubt in the judges' minds and to fight with everything he had left. They reminded him of his skills, his training, and the stakes of the fight. The corner stressed the importance of winning the round decisively, telling him to