UFC middleweight contender Joe Pyfer was forced to withdraw from his scheduled bout at UFC Mexico City against Kelvin Gastelum just hours before the event. This cancellation was a significant blow to the UFC Mexico City card, which already featured several prominent fighters.
Pyfer`s withdrawal was attributed to food poisoning. The UFC broadcast team reported that Pyfer had mentioned feeling unwell earlier in the week, and his condition worsened after the weigh-ins on Friday.
Ironically, just hours before the announcement of his withdrawal, Pyfer had told ESPN`s Megan Olivi that he felt physically better than ever. This statement has gained attention in light of the subsequent events.
Pyfer`s Recent Health and Setback
Joe Pyfer was looking to build on his momentum after a knockout victory over Marc-Andre Barriault at UFC 303 last June. He had undergone back surgeries following that fight, which impacted his training for a period.
Despite these challenges, Pyfer and his team believed he had fully recovered and was ready to compete. He spoke to Megan Olivi about overcoming his injury struggles in the lead-up to the fight, stating, “I think I’m the healthiest I’ve been since I’ve been fighting.”
Following the fight cancellation, Pyfer addressed his fans on social media, expressing his disappointment at not being able to compete against Gastelum due to sudden illness.
Despite this setback, Joe Pyfer is still considered a promising talent in the UFC middleweight division, known for his significant knockout power, which he demonstrated by setting a punching power record at the UFC Performance Institute, even surpassing Francis Ngannou at the time. While Alex Pereira has since broken that record, Pyfer`s power remains a key aspect of his fighting style.
Pyfer has faced adversity before and is expected to seek a quick return to the Octagon. It is likely that the UFC will attempt to reschedule the Pyfer vs. Gastelum fight in the near future.
