Undefeated welterweight Kelvin Gastelum returns to the Octagon against Tyron Woodley, and a win could put him right into title contention.

Gastelum and Woodley co-headline UFC 183 in Las Vegas on Jan. 31, and UFC president Dana White said that The Ultimate Fighter 17 winner will be close to earning a shot at 170-pound champion Robbie Lawler if he beats the former Strikeforce champion at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

"No doubt about it," White told LaAficion, "he could fight Lawler for the title this year if he beats Tyron Woodley."

Coming off a first-round submission over Jake Ellenberger at UFC 180 in Mexico City, Gastelum could be part of the next UFC card in Mexico. The UFC returns to Mexico City on June 13 for UFC 188, and has another card planned for November.

"It’s definitely a possibility," White said of Gastelum fighting in Mexico again. "This kid is great. Ever since he got to The Ultimate Fighter he looked like one of the least experienced fighters and keeps surprising us. He keeps getting better, and look where he is now. It’s amazing. We’re very excited about him."