" If I beat a guy who is highly ranked, that means something and it keeps pushing me up the ladder to where I want to be. "
- Kelvin Gastelum

In the given statement, the speaker expresses their belief that defeating a highly ranked opponent holds significant value. This victory serves as a crucial step towards advancing one’s own ranking and reputation within their competitive field.

Beyond its surface interpretation, this quote delves into the broader concepts of perseverance and ambition in professional sports or any competitive arena. The speaker emphasizes the importance of overcoming challenges set by formidable adversaries to demonstrate personal growth and capability. By achieving victory against those who are already established at higher levels, an individual not only gains recognition but also reinforces their own path towards success. This approach underscores the idea that true progress is often marked by overcoming obstacles presented by leaders or top competitors in one's field.

Kelvin Gastelum, a professional mixed martial artist, shares this perspective on achieving success through competitive challenges. Known for his tenacity and strategic mindset within the sport of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), he uses this quote to reflect on his journey towards becoming a prominent figure in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).