UFC fighter Kelvin Gastelum has spoken out after his scheduled fight against Joe Pyfer at UFC Mexico City was cancelled.
Gastelum and rising middleweight Joe Pyfer were set to compete in a significant main card fight at UFC Mexico City. However, Pyfer had to withdraw just hours before the event due to illness, leaving Gastelum without an opponent and removed from the fight card.
Pyfer has since expressed his regret about the late withdrawal and intends to return to fighting as soon as possible. It is currently unclear whether the Gastelum vs. Pyfer fight will be rescheduled or if UFC will explore other options.
News of the fight cancellation disappointed many fans and experts. Gastelum was particularly affected and shared a video showing his reaction to receiving the news from UFC matchmakers about Pyfer`s withdrawal.
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Kelvin Gastelum shares the moment he found out Joe Pyfer was out of UFC Mexico City
Gastelum released his first statement on social media platform X after his UFC Mexico City fight was cancelled.
“I received a call informing me that my opponent became sick and had to withdraw from the fight,” Gastelum posted on Sunday. “I am deeply disappointed by this situation, which is beyond my control. I wish my opponent the best for the future.”
Gastelum`s words could indicate that he is ready to move on from fighting Pyfer and consider other opponents. He recently returned to the middleweight division, winning against Daniel Rodriguez by decision last June.
Gastelum shared a video clip showing his reaction to the news about Pyfer, which can be viewed below.
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Joe Pyfer unleashed on expletive-laden rant on Mexico after last-second fight pullout
Joe Pyfer made an angry, profanity-filled outburst against Mexico after being forced to pull out of the fight at the last minute.
Following his withdrawal from UFC Mexico City, Pyfer strongly criticized Mexico, describing a negative experience during fight week. Pyfer stated he would “never return” to Mexico and called it a “s—hole.”
UFC officials have not yet responded to Pyfer`s comments. The UFC is scheduled to return to Mexico later this year for Noche UFC 3 in Guadalajara.
Shortly before withdrawing, Pyfer had claimed to be in peak health after the weigh-ins on Friday. However, after experiencing vomiting, stomach pain, and fever overnight, doctors advised him to withdraw from the event.
Regarding Gastelum, his UFC 236 fight against Israel Adesanya will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer. Looking ahead in his career, he may return to the Octagon in the coming months against a yet-to-be-determined opponent.
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