Fight fans were surprised at the news of a main event between former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and rising contender Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle, but the 185-pound showdown has a good chance
of producing fireworks.
Adesanya, who is one of the greatest middleweight fighters of all time, has fallen on some tough times. The 36-year-old has lost his last three trips to the Octagon and is coming off a rough knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov. “Last Stylebender” appeared to still have some gas left in the tank, but he once again coughed up the opportunity to fight his way back to a title fight.
While many thought Adesanya may retire following his three-fight losing streak, the former middleweight king has no plans of stepping away for the time being. Adesanya is now staring down a loaded shotgun in “Bodybagz” Pyfer, but he seems ready for the challenge.
“Aaaah…shit,” wrote Adesanya via X following Dana White’s breaking news. “Here we go again.”
Pyfer, on the other hand, is entering the biggest fight of his career thus far. The 29-year-old is coming off a submission finish over Abus Magomedov to extend his win streak to three. However, he’s never encountered someone like Adesanya. Pyfer certainly possesses the punching power to finish the former champion, but “Bodybagz” needs to be dialed.
Luckily for him, he already seems to be in the right headspace.
“I’m blessed for the opportunity against one of the greatest middleweights of all time. Little Joey P is on his way. Hard fucking work incoming. Self belief and faith can pull any man out of a dark time. Let’s go get this shit!!! Fucking Joe “Bodybagz Pyfer!!! What a life,” wrote Pyfer via Instagram.
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