Kelvin Gastelum had good reason to retire from UFC Vegas 67.
Gastelum was forced to withdraw from the UFC’s first main event of 2023 on Monday after being unable to face Nassourdine Imavov on January 14 due to a mouth injury that forced him to undergo dental surgery to repair the damage to his mouth, which was caused by an erratic punch to the face he suffered at the gym.
How bad was it?
Following the news, Gastelum posted a video of the procedure on social media, which, as he put it in response to a fan on Twitter, consisted of “sewing my teeth back on”.
This clip, which contains graphic images, can be seen below.
The video followed an apology message earlier in the day addressed to both Imavov and Gastelum fans for the unfortunate turn of events.
I am extremely disappointed to say the least. That’s not how I wanted to start 2023. I busted my ass and fought my way through a lot of opponents and was ready to put on a hell of a show this weekend. My apologies to Imavov, his camp, as well as @ufc and all the fans.
I am extremely disappointed to say the least. That’s not how I wanted to start in 2023.
I busted my ass and fought my way through a lot of opponents and was ready to put on a hell of a show this weekend.
My apologies to Imavov, his camp as well @ufc and all fans. #OnAmission4Gold— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) January 9, 2023
Gastelum (16-8, 1 NC) has had a tough time in recent years.
The 31-year-old has been out of action since a loss to Jared Cannonier in August 2021 that dropped him 5-1 in his last six fights. The TUF 17 winner’s only victory since his failed interim title challenge against Israel Adesanya was a unanimous decision over Ian Heinisch at UFC 258.
UFC Vegas 67 takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.