Israel Adesanya Accepts ‘Dangerous’ Joe Pyfer Bout Despite Slump in UFC Form
Israel Adesanya is set to face Joe Pyfer in a highly anticipated bout despite his recent struggles in the UFC. The fight will headline an event in Seattle on March 28, 2024, at the Climate Pledge Arena.
Adesanya’s Comeback Fight
The former two-time middleweight champion, currently 36 years old, spoke about his motivation to take on a “dangerous” opponent like Pyfer. During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Adesanya expressed his belief that facing tough competition is essential for his return to the octagon.
Context of Adesanya’s Decision
Adesanya has been on a rough streak, having lost four of his last five fights. His most recent bout resulted in a knockout defeat against Nassourdine Imavov in February—a match that marked his third consecutive loss. In his previous fights, Adesanya suffered title defeats against Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Despite this challenging period, Adesanya remains ranked sixth in the UFC middleweight division, whereas Joe Pyfer is positioned at 15th. Adesanya acknowledges the possibility that the UFC might be looking to capitalize on his vulnerabilities given his long absence from fighting.
Joe Pyfer’s Rising Star
Conversely, Joe Pyfer, 29, enters this fight with momentum. He is currently on a three-fight win streak, demonstrating his skills with two finishes. Pyfer’s notable victory over Abus Magomedov by submission in October highlighted his versatility as a fighter, despite being predominantly known for his knockout capability.
- Adesanya’s Recent Fight History:
- Loss to Nassourdine Imavov — February 2024
- Loss to Dricus Du Plessis — 2023
- Loss to Sean Strickland — 2024
- Joe Pyfer’s Recent Fights:
- Win by submission against Abus Magomedov — October 2023
- Three-fight win streak including two finishes.
As Adesanya navigates this pivotal moment in his career, the matchup with Joe Pyfer promises to be a significant test of his skills and resilience. Fans eagerly await this clash, which could have major implications for both fighters’ standings in the UFC middleweight division.
