Kelvin Gastelum is a famous MMA fighter known for his UFC career. His real name is Kelvin Gastelum Encinas. In 2026, he is 34 years old. He was born on October 24, 1991, in San Jose, California.
He stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 185 pounds. He won The Ultimate Fighter 17 in 2013. He fought for the interim UFC Middleweight title in 2019. His estimated net worth is $2 million in 2026.
He started MMA in 2010 after a wrestling career. He trains at Fight Ready in Arizona. He holds a purple belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. He is known for his durability and heart.
Kelvin Gastelum Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | Kelvin Gastelum Encinas |
| Stage Name | Kelvin Gastelum |
| Date of Birth | October 24, 1991 |
| Age in 2026 | 34 |
| Birthplace | San Jose, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | MMA Fighter |
| Category | MMA Fighter |
| Education | Cibola High School, North Idaho College |
| Partner / Spouse | Not publicly confirmed |
| Children | None |
| Career Start | 2010 |
| Company / Label / Team | Fight Ready |
| Major Works | The Ultimate Fighter 17 Winner |
| Achievements | TUF 17 Winner, UFC Title Challenger |
| Net Worth | $2 million |
| Primary Income Source | UFC, Endorsements |
| Social Media Presence | Instagram, X, Facebook |
Kelvin Gastelum Real Name
Kelvin Gastelum was born as Kelvin Gastelum Encinas. He uses Kelvin Gastelum as his fighting name. His full name is Kelvin Gastelum Encinas. This is confirmed by Wikipedia and public records.
Gastelum is known by the nickname “Mini Cain.” This nickname refers to his resemblance to Cain Velasquez. His primary name is Kelvin Gastelum. He uses this name in UFC promotions.
Gastelum was born in San Jose, California. His real name reflects his Mexican-American heritage. He is proud of his roots. His name is respected in MMA.
Gastelum‘s full name is often shortened by fans. His official UFC profile uses Kelvin Gastelum. His real name is used in legal documents. His name is synonymous with Mexican-American MMA.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kelvin Gastelum Encinas |
| Nickname | “Mini Cain” |
| Fighting Name | Kelvin Gastelum |
| Birthplace | San Jose, California |
Kelvin Gastelum Early Life and Education
Kelvin Gastelum grew up in Yuma, Arizona. He was born on October 24, 1991. He attended Cibola High School in Yuma. He was a member of the wrestling team. He won the Arizona State Wrestling Title.
Gastelum attended North Idaho College after graduation. He placed 5th at the NJCAA Championships. This was in his freshman year. He entered MMA after his freshman year. His wrestling background prepared him for MMA.
Gastelum‘s education was focused on wrestling. He learned discipline and hard work. He trained in jiu-jitsu as well. His early life shaped his fighting style. He developed a strong work ethic.
Gastelum started his MMA career in 2010. He competed in small organizations. He won 6 out of 6 fights. His early life prepared him for the UFC. His education and training were key to his success.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| High School | Cibola High School, Yuma, Arizona |
| College | North Idaho College |
| Wrestling Achievement | Arizona State Wrestling Title |
| MMA Debut | 2010 |
Kelvin Gastelum Parents and Siblings
Kelvin Gastelum was born to Patricia Encinas. His father‘s name is not publicly confirmed. His mother raised him in Yuma, Arizona. His family is of Mexican descent. His parents supported his athletic pursuits.
Gastelum has a sister. He calls her his “longest best friend.” Her name is not widely publicized. His sister is very important to him. His family is small and close.
Gastelum‘s father is not actively involved in his life. His mother played a major role in his upbringing. He credits her for his success. His family life is private. His parents are not often discussed publicly.
Gastelum values his family time. He keeps his family out of the spotlight. His sister supports his career. His family is his motivation. His family is central to his life.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Patricia Encinas | Mother |
| Father | Not publicly confirmed |
| Sister | Not publicly named |
Kelvin Gastelum Before Fame
Kelvin Gastelum had a successful wrestling career before fame. He won the Arizona State Wrestling Title. He placed 5th at the NJCAA Championships. He began his MMA career in 2010. He won 6 straight fights. His early career was promising.
Gastelum entered The Ultimate Fighter 17 in 2013. He was evaluated as the youngest and weakest competitor. He was drawn last by Chael Sonnen. No one expected him to do well. He proved them wrong.
Gastelum defeated Bubba McDaniel via rear-naked choke. He defeated Colin Hart via TKO. He defeated Josh Samman via rear-naked choke. He reached the finals against Uriah Hall. He won via split decision.
Gastelum became the youngest winner in TUF history at 21 years old. He earned a UFC contract. He shed tears of joy. His before fame story is inspiring. He worked hard for his success.
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Wrestling | Arizona State Wrestling Title |
| MMA Debut | 2010 |
| TUF 17 | Winner at 21 years old |
| UFC Contract | 2013 |
Kelvin Gastelum Career
Kelvin Gastelum began his UFC career in 2013. He won The Ultimate Fighter 17. He defeated Uriah Hall in the finale. He moved to welterweight after the win. He defeated Brian Melancon in his UFC debut. He won via rear-naked choke.
Gastelum defeated Jake Ellenberger in 2014. He earned his first Performance of the Night bonus. He moved to middleweight in 2016. He defeated Tim Kennedy and Vitor Belfort. He earned a title shot in 2019.
Gastelum fought Israel Adesanya at UFC 236 in 2019. He lost via unanimous decision. The fight was named Fight of the Year. It is considered one of the greatest fights in UFC history. His performance earned him respect.
Gastelum continued to fight top opponents. He faced Darren Till, Jack Hermansson, and Robert Whittaker. He defeated Chris Curtis in 2023. He returned to middleweight in 2024. He defeated Daniel Rodriguez. He remains an active competitor in 2026.
| Year | Career / Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | TUF 17 Winner |
| 2014 | Performance of the Night vs. Ellenberger |
| 2016 | Moved to Middleweight |
| 2019 | UFC 236 Fight of the Year |
| 2023 | Defeated Chris Curtis |
| 2024 | Return to Middleweight |
| 2026 | Active in UFC |
Kelvin Gastelum Family
Kelvin Gastelum is a private person. He was raised by his mother, Patricia Encinas. His father is not publicly confirmed. He has a sister he calls his “longest best friend.” His family is small and close.
Gastelum values his family time. He keeps his family out of the spotlight. His sister supports his career. His mother played a major role in his upbringing. His family is his motivation.
Gastelum‘s relationship status is not publicly confirmed. He was linked to Lena Pattyson, his strength and conditioning coach. He was also linked to Macey Osomo. He has no children publicly confirmed. His family life is private.
Gastelum focuses on his career. He does not share many details about his family. His family is important to him. He keeps his personal life separate from his public life. His family is his priority.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Patricia Encinas | Mother |
| Father | Not publicly confirmed |
| Sister | Not publicly named |
Kelvin Gastelum Wife, Girlfriend, or Partner
Kelvin Gastelum is not publicly married. His relationship status is not publicly confirmed. He was linked to Lena Pattyson in the past. Lena was his strength and conditioning coach. She worked as a personal trainer in California.
Gastelum was also linked to Macey Osomo. These relationships were not publicly confirmed. He keeps his personal life private. He does not share details about his romantic life. His relationship status remains a mystery.
Gastelum has no children publicly confirmed. He focuses on his fighting career. He does not discuss his dating life openly. His private life is separate from his public persona. He values his privacy.
Gastelum is currently single or private about his relationship. His fans often ask about his partner. He does not provide answers. His personal life remains private. He is focused on his career.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Not publicly confirmed |
| Ex-Girlfriend | Lena Pattyson (reported) |
| Ex-Girlfriend | Macey Osomo (reported) |
| Children | None publicly confirmed |
Kelvin Gastelum Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Kelvin Gastelum is 34 years old in 2026. He was born on October 24, 1991. He stands 5 feet 9 inches tall. He weighs approximately 185 pounds. He has a muscular and athletic build.
Gastelum has dark eyes and black hair. His reach is 71 inches. He has a southpaw stance. He has a strong physique. He is known for his durability and heart.
Gastelum‘s physique is impressive for his size. He fights in the middleweight division. He has a powerful striking game. He is known for his ground game as well. His physical presence is commanding.
Gastelum maintains his fitness with intense training. He trains at Fight Ready. He follows a strict diet and workout plan. His fitness is a key part of his success. He is a physical specimen.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | 185 pounds (84 kg) |
| Reach | 71 inches (180 cm) |
| Eye Color | Dark |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Muscular / Athletic |
| Stance | Southpaw |
Kelvin Gastelum Social Media Presence
Kelvin Gastelum is active on social media. He uses Instagram, X, and Facebook. His Instagram handle is @kgastelum. He shares training videos and fight promos. He posts photos with his family occasionally.
Gastelum has over 476,000 Instagram followers. He has over 153,000 Twitter followers. He uses social media to connect with fans. He shares updates about his fights. His social media is authentic.
Gastelum uses social media to promote his merchandise. He also shares motivational content. He posts reactions to UFC events. His social media reflects his personality. He values his online community.
Gastelum does not engage in online drama. He keeps his posts positive. He uses social media to connect with fans. His presence is professional. He values his online community.
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| @kgastelum | |
| X | @KelvinGastelum |
| @kgastelumTV |
Kelvin Gastelum Awards and Achievements
Kelvin Gastelum has many MMA achievements. He won The Ultimate Fighter 17 in 2013. He became the youngest winner in TUF history at 21 years old. He fought for the interim UFC Middleweight Championship in 2019. He earned Fight of the Year honors for his performance.
Gastelum was awarded the “Breakthrough Fighter of the Year” by the World MMA Awards in 2014. He has multiple Fight of the Night bonuses. His fight against Israel Adesanya was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2025. His achievements are impressive.
Gastelum holds a purple belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. He trained under Eddie Bravo. He has 6 wins by knockout. He has 5 wins by submission. He has 9 wins by decision. His record is 20-11-0 with 1 No Contest.
Gastelum is considered one of the toughest fighters in the UFC. He has never been knocked out. He is known for his incredible durability. He continues to compete at a high level. His achievements are notable.
| Category | Year(s) | Award / Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| TUF 17 | 2013 | Winner |
| World MMA Awards | 2014 | Breakthrough Fighter of the Year |
| UFC 236 | 2019 | Fight of the Year |
| UFC Hall of Fame | 2025 | Fight Inducted |
| UFC Bonuses | Multiple | Fight of the Night |
Kelvin Gastelum Net Worth
Kelvin Gastelum has an estimated net worth of $2 million in 2026. His wealth comes from UFC earnings, endorsements, and appearances. His career earnings are estimated at $2 million. His net worth is well-documented.
Gastelum earns from UFC fights. His salary ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 per fight. He also earns from performance bonuses. His most lucrative fight was against Israel Adesanya in 2019. He earned a base salary of $150,000.
Gastelum supplements his income with sponsorships. He has partnerships with Jimmy Bars and Pure Kana. He also earns from appearances. His primary income is from fighting. He continues to compete for money.
Gastelum lives in Huntington Beach, California. He owns property in the area. His assets include investments and real estate. His net worth is estimated by Celebrity Net Worth. He is financially secure. His wealth reflects his success.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| UFC | Fight purses and bonuses |
| Endorsements | Jimmy Bars, Pure Kana |
| Appearances | Interviews and events |
| Real Estate | Huntington Beach, California |
Kelvin Gastelum Nationality and Religion
Kelvin Gastelum is an American national. He was born in San Jose, California. He is proud of his Mexican-American heritage. He represents the USA in MMA. His nationality is American.
Gastelum‘s religion is not widely publicized. He does not discuss his faith publicly. His religious beliefs are private. He focuses on his family and career. His religion is personal to him.
Gastelum has Mexican roots. He is proud of his heritage. He carries the Mexican flag to his fights. He honors his home country. His heritage is important to him.
Gastelum speaks English and Spanish. He has a connection to Mexico. His nationality is American. His religion is private. His heritage is diverse.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Not publicly confirmed |
| Heritage | Mexican-American |
| Languages | English, Spanish |
Kelvin Gastelum Public Image
Kelvin Gastelum has a positive public image. He is known as a tough and durable fighter. He is respected for his heart and resilience. He is popular among UFC fans. His public image is authentic.
Gastelum is often praised for his fighting spirit. He is known for his never-say-die attitude. He is considered one of the toughest fighters in the UFC. He has never been knocked out. His public image is that of a warrior.
Gastelum is open about his career struggles. He speaks publicly about his weight issues. He uses his platform to share his journey. He is seen as a genuine person. His public image is positive and inspiring.
Gastelum handles controversy with grace. He rejected reports that he was leaving the UFC. He clarified his position on social media. He is committed to the UFC. His public image is strong. He is a true professional.
| Phase | Public Image |
|---|---|
| 2013–2019 | Rising Contender |
| 2019–2023 | Resilient Veteran |
| 2023–2026 | Experienced Warrior |
Kelvin Gastelum Legacy and Impact
Kelvin Gastelum has a growing legacy in MMA. He is a former UFC title challenger. He is considered one of the toughest fighters in UFC history. He holds records for his durability. His legacy is secure.
Gastelum‘s impact goes beyond his record. He inspired Mexican-American fighters to pursue MMA. He showed that heart and resilience matter. He proved that size is not a barrier. His impact is generational.
Gastelum holds the record for the most Fight of the Night bonuses in the UFC. He has never been knocked out in his career. He fought in one of the greatest fights in UFC history. His legacy is defined by his heart. He is a true warrior.
Gastelum continues to inspire fans with his journey. He overcame weight issues and career setbacks. He returned to middleweight and won fights. He plans to continue his career. His legacy is still being written. He is a true fighter.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Mexican-American MMA | Pioneer |
| Durability | Never knocked out |
| Fight of the Night | Record holder |
| Inspiration | Resilience and heart |
Kelvin Gastelum Future Plans and Goals
Kelvin Gastelum plans to continue his UFC career. He wants to become a UFC champion. He has stated he does not want to have any regrets. He wants to maximize his potential. His future is planned.
Gastelum returned to middleweight in 2024. He defeated Daniel Rodriguez. He plans to climb the rankings. He wants to fight top contenders. He is focused on his career.
Gastelum wants to fight for many more years. He is 33 years old and still competitive. He wants to leave a lasting legacy. He wants to inspire others. His goals are clear.
Gastelum wants to inspire others with his journey. He wants to show that heart and resilience matter. He plans to continue his charity work. He wants to enjoy his life. His future is exciting. He is at peace.
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| UFC Career | Continue fighting |
| Championship | Wants to become champion |
| Legacy | Inspire others |
| Charity | Mental health awareness |
Kelvin Gastelum Championships and Achievements
| Championship | Times | Years |
|---|---|---|
| The Ultimate Fighter 17 | 1 | 2013 |
| UFC Interim Middleweight Title | 0 (Challenger) | 2019 |
| Fight of the Night | Multiple | 2017–2023 |
| Performance of the Night | Multiple | 2014–2019 |
Kelvin Gastelum Matches List
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Uriah Hall – 2013 (TUF 17 Finale)
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Brian Melancon – 2013 (UFC Debut)
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Rick Story – 2014
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Nicholas Musoke – 2014
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Jake Ellenberger – 2014
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Tyron Woodley – 2015
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Nate Marquardt – 2015
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Neil Magny – 2015
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Johny Hendricks – 2016
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Tim Kennedy – 2016
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Vitor Belfort – 2017
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Chris Weidman – 2017
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Michael Bisping – 2017
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Ronaldo Souza – 2018
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Israel Adesanya – 2019 (UFC 236)
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Darren Till – 2019
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Jack Hermansson – 2020
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Ian Heinisch – 2021
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Robert Whittaker – 2021
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Jared Cannonier – 2021
Kelvin Gastelum Hobbies
- Training in MMA
- Playing video games
- Watching football
- Spending time with family
- Fishing
- Cooking
- Traveling
- Watching documentaries
- Playing basketball
- Reading
Kelvin Gastelum Favorite Things
- Favorite Food: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Movie: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Fighter: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Color: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Music: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Sport: MMA
- Favorite Place: Yuma, Arizona
- Favorite Quote: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Team: Not publicly confirmed
Kelvin Gastelum Lesser-Known Facts
| Fact No. | Lesser-Known Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | He won the Arizona State Wrestling Title. |
| 2 | He placed 5th at the NJCAA Championships. |
| 3 | He was the youngest winner in TUF history. |
| 4 | He earned a Harley-Davidson for winning TUF 17. |
| 5 | He has a purple belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. |
| 6 | He trained under Eddie Bravo. |
| 7 | He has never been knocked out in MMA. |
| 8 | His fight against Adesanya was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. |
| 9 | He was linked to his strength and conditioning coach. |
| 10 | He calls his sister his “longest best friend.” |
| 11 | He was awarded Breakthrough Fighter of the Year in 2014. |
| 12 | He has 6 wins by knockout. |
| 13 | He has 5 wins by submission. |
| 14 | He fought Israel Adesanya in a Fight of the Year. |
| 15 | He lives in Huntington Beach, California. |
| 16 | He speaks English and Spanish. |
| 17 | He is of Mexican-American heritage. |
| 18 | He plans to become a UFC champion. |
Kelvin Gastelum FAQs
Q1: What is Kelvin Gastelum’s net worth in 2026?
Kelvin Gastelum‘s net worth is estimated at $2 million in 2026. His income comes from UFC, endorsements, and appearances. He is one of the richest Mexican-American fighters.
Q2: How old is Kelvin Gastelum in 2026?
Kelvin Gastelum is 34 years old in 2026. He was born on October 24, 1991. His birthday has already passed this year.
Q3: What is Kelvin Gastelum’s height and weight?
Kelvin Gastelum is 5 feet 9 inches tall. He weighs about 185 pounds. He has a muscular and athletic build.
Q4: Is Kelvin Gastelum married?
Kelvin Gastelum is not publicly married. His relationship status is not publicly confirmed. He was linked to Lena Pattyson in the past.
Q5: Did Kelvin Gastelum win The Ultimate Fighter?
Yes, Kelvin Gastelum won The Ultimate Fighter 17 in 2013. He defeated Uriah Hall in the finale. He became the youngest winner in TUF history.
Q6: What is Kelvin Gastelum’s real name?
His real name is Kelvin Gastelum Encinas. He uses Kelvin Gastelum as his fighting name. He is known as “Mini Cain.”
Q7: Is Kelvin Gastelum still fighting?
Yes, Kelvin Gastelum is still fighting in 2026. He competes in the UFC middleweight division. He plans to continue his career.
Conclusion
Kelvin Gastelum is a Mexican-American MMA fighter. His real name is Kelvin Gastelum Encinas. In 2026, he is 34 years old. He was born on October 24, 1991, in San Jose, California. He stands 5 feet 9 inches and weighs 185 pounds.
He started his MMA career in 2010. He won The Ultimate Fighter 17 in 2013. He fought for the interim UFC Middleweight title in 2019. He trains at Fight Ready. His net worth is $2 million in 2026.
He is known for his durability and heart. He holds a purple belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. He plans to become a UFC champion. His legacy is secure as a Mexican-American icon.
This mirrors the inspirational and detailed structure of the previous profiles, highlighting Kelvin Gastelum‘s journey from Yuma, Arizona to UFC contention.
