EXCLUSIVE | Pro fighters make their picks for Robert Whittaker vs. Kelvin Gastelum

Robert Whittaker is set for the first defense of his middleweight title in the main event of UFC 234. Whittaker is riding a nine-fight winning streak, while also being undefeated since he moved up to middleweight. Standing in his way will be first-time title challenger Kelvin Gastelum, who is riding a two-fight winning streak.

Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached to several pro fighters to get their predictions. Most believe Whittaker will hear ‘And Still’ but they aren’t counting Gastelum out.

Here’s what they had to say:

BJPENN.com Fighters Picks: Robert Whittaker vs Kelvin Gastelum

Jared Gooden, LFA welterweight: That is a tough one. Robert Whittaker has been looking good but Kelvin Gastelum is like the dark horse at middleweight. I am going to take Gastelum because he is the dark horse of that weight class and I think he will go out and surprise some people. 

Brad Pickett, retired UFC bantamweight: I think Whittaker. Even though Gasetlum is very tough, but I don’t know. I just have counted out Whittaker too many times. I’m probably going to back him this one.

Anthony Pettis, UFC lightweight/welterweight: I have to go Whittaker man. He surprises me all the time, he just grinds. 

Renato Moicano, UFC featherweight: I think Robert Whittaker. Robert Whittaker is a very good striker and has good takedown defence.

Damien Brown, RIZIN FF lightweight: Whittaker. I think his movement is too much for Gastelum to read. I don’t think Gastelum offers anything that the last 5-6 opponents of Whittaker’s haven’t already. 

Eyrk Anders, UFC middleweight: I think Bobby Knuckles (Robert Whittaker) by TKO. I don’t think Gastelum can go five rounds and Robert is hard to hit.

Max Griffin, UFC welterweight: Kelvin, man. He is my boy. He is a stud, he is a powerhouse and he puts these guys away. I think he is going to win. 

Alonzo Menifield, UFC light heavyweight: Whittaker. Gastelum has some good boxing but Whittaker against Yoel Romero pretty much tells you this guy can take a shot.

Bi Nguyen, ONE Championship atomweight: Whittaker all the way. I think he has a pace where if he can take it past the first couple rounds he will take it no problem.

Ricky Simon, UFC bantamweight: I’m going to have to go with Kelvin Gastelum. I like how he mixes it up and how he has great hands and can go to the wrestling when he has to. I hope he gets that win.

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Fighters picking Robert Whittaker: Brad Pickett, Anthony Pettis, Renato Moicano, Damien Brown, Eryk Anders, Alonzo Menifield, Bi Nguyen

Fighters picking Kelvin Gastelum: Jared Gooden, Max Griffin, Ricky Simon

Who do you think will win the main event between Robert Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 2/7/2019.