Gastelum defeats Souza by split decision in razor-close tilt

Kelvin Gastelum is one win closer to a middleweight title shot, earning a split decision victory over Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza in the co-main event of UFC 224 in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday.

The 26-year-old has now won his last two fights after knocking out Michael Bisping last November. He said after the win Saturday that he hopes to face the winner of Robert Whittaker and Yoel Romero's July championship bout at Madison Square Garden in November.

Both fighters showed toughness and accuracy as they landed clean strikes to each other's chins throughout the fight. Souza controlled the first round, spending most of the opening five minutes on top of Gastelum before the 26-year-old picked up the pace in Round 2 and almost scored a KO.

Souza looked wobbled after the second round ended as the 38-year-old was clearly fatigued against the younger opponent, but managed to gut out a close third round, knowing the scorecards were likely tied after 10 minutes.

"Jacare" entered the night as the second-ranked middleweight contender, but has now lost two of his last three fights and could miss out on a first UFC title shot before the end of his career.