10 Most Underrated UFC Bouts Of 2019
6. Darren Till Vs. Kelvin Gastelum (UFC 244)
Towards the end of 2018, Darren Till's hopes of becoming the top Welterweight in the UFC were dashed by the division's champion at that time, Tyron Woodley. His career in the promotion was then thrown into a state of limbo after being dispatched by current BMF title holder Jorge Masvidal in March 2019.
So, Till needed a serious change-up and opted to step back into the Middleweight division for the first time since 2014.
His first opponent at this weight in the UFC?
A fighter who'd just come up short against the current Undisputed UFC Middleweight Champion, Israel Adesanya - in another Fight of the Year contender - Kelvin Gastelum.
Inside of Madison Square Garden, the two stars looking to establish themselves as top contenders in the division, felt each other out with check kicks and various clinch attempts in the early stages. Picking up the pace in the second and third rounds, the pair then proved how lethal they could be with both their hands and feet, with each throwing their fair share of well-timed combinations.
It may not have been a balls to the wall slug-fest. However, Till's game-plan to keep Gastelum at a distance with his superior reach and kicking ability, proved to be a quiet masterclass in tactically nullifying your opponent and his decision victory was well-earned on the night of UFC 244.
You don't always have to spark out your rival to make a statement and this victory announced Till as a serious contender on the Middleweight stage.