Joe Pyfer, set to face Israel Adesanya on March 28 at Climate Pledge Arena, is eager to showcase his diverse skill set beyond his reputation as a knockout artist. Known for his black belt in jiu-jitsu and effective wrestling, Pyfer aims to surprise fans with a strategic approach. The bout marks a significant moment for the middleweight contender as he recognizes the weight of fighting a former champion, whom he admires greatly. Adesanya, seeking to rebound from three consecutive defeats, faces intense pressure as he looks to reclaim his status in the division.

By the Numbers
  • Joe Pyfer has finished 9 of his 15 career wins by knockout.
  • Pyfer broke Francis Ngannou's punch power record with a force of 129,000 units.
State of Play
  • Pyfer is ranked No. 15 in the middleweight division and is on a three-fight winning streak.
  • Adesanya has lost three straight fights after regaining the middleweight title in April 2023.
What's Next

As the fight approaches, Pyfer aims to implement a strategy that highlights his jiu-jitsu and wrestling skills, potentially shifting the narrative around his fighting style. Meanwhile, Adesanya must find a way to overcome recent setbacks to reclaim his former glory.

Bottom Line

The upcoming fight is pivotal for both fighters; Pyfer seeks to elevate his status with a win over a legend, while Adesanya confronts the challenge of reversing his losing streak to re-establish himself in the middleweight rankings.