For whatever reason, Kelvin Gastelum still can’t seem to get the proper respect as a true contender, despite the fact that in his last three fights, he took out Johny Hendricks, Tim Kennedy, and Vitor Belfort.

Perhaps it’s the fact that he’s missed weight on more than one occasion, or the fact that he’s jumped up and down from Welterweight to Middleweight over the course of his UFC career. Whatever the case may be, Kelvin says he’s fine with people underestimating him, because by the time they recognize his greatness, he’ll be sitting on top of the throne.

"People can keep underestimating me all they want and that's just fine with me," Gastelum said in a recent interview with Flo Combat. "I'll keep flying under the radar and once they realize what I can do I'll be sitting there as champion. It's funny to me because I keep piecing up these guys I face and still don't get the credit I deserve. That's fine with me though because it's been the story of my career and I'm used to it.”

Kelvin will face off against former 185-pound champion Chris Weidman in the main event of UFC on FOX 25 this weekend (Sat., July 22, 2017) inside NYCB LIVE in Uniondale, New York. With a win over “All American,” not only does he collect his fourth in a row, but Gastelum feels he should be next in line for a title shot in a division that isn’t as crowded as it used to be.

"I absolutely believe I'll be the next guy in the title race with a win in this fight and don't see why that wouldn't be the case," Gastelum said. "[Gegard] Mousasi is gone. [Luke] Rockhold is MIA and hasn't fought for over a year. [Yoel] Romero and [Ronaldo] Jacare are both coming off losses,” he said.

Thanks to the interim title fight between Robert Whittaker and Yoel Romero which saw “The Reaper” edge out “Soldier of God” at UFC 213 and earn the right to face Michael Bisping later this year, the once-clouded division seems to be back on track.

Mousasi’s aforementioned move to Bellator MMA further opens up the road for others to get a crack at the strap. And Gastelum for one, isn’t going to let the opportunity pass him by without asking for his shot at gold.

“I'm ready to be next in line and ready for my shot and I'm calling for it as soon as they hand me the mic. I'm ready to get this ball rolling and continue my push up to get that shot."

To see the entire UFC on FOX 25 fight card click here.