"Legend or not, he is going down" - Joe Pyfer targets brutal finish against Israel Adesanya in March main event
He is young, hungry and explosive. Joe Pyfer gets the biggest opportunity of his career on March 28: a main event against Israel Adesanya, the former UFC title challenger and Glory Kickboxing fighter. Pyfer is already making his intentions clear. He says he is not showing up to collect points.
Pyfer wants to be the first to truly stop Adesanya
"I want to stop him in a way nobody has done before," Pyfer said on The Ariel Helwani Show. The American, nicknamed "Bodybagz," does not sound like a fighter who plans to let his moment pass.
Pyfer is known for his finishing mindset and has five straight finishes in the UFC, including three violent knockouts. Now he wants to make history against a former champion he still respects, but also sees as vulnerable.
Adesanya’s form dip makes the matchup more interesting than ever
Israel Adesanya is normally the man who makes opponents look like they have never fought before. But the timing of this fight is far from ideal for him. The Nigerian-New Zealand star has lost his last three fights, two of them by knockout.
For the first time in years, the public is openly questioning his form. Pyfer says he smells blood and is honest about it: "I bring damage. And I know I can hit someone so they do not move anymore."
A physical plan with smart pressure
Pyfer trains at a high level and is working on a game plan that specifically targets Adesanya’s unique style. "We have sparring partners imitate him. I know what I need to do and I am going to execute it. Smart pressure, no recklessness. But damage." His confidence is obvious, but Pyfer remains respectful. He hopes both men leave the fight healthy, while still planning to force a finish. Knockout or submission does not matter to him.
Pyfer dreams beyond Seattle
The opportunity against Adesanya is already huge, but Pyfer is looking even further. He hopes to fight next year on the historic UFC card at the White House. "I am one of the most American motherf*****s there is," he joked. Behind those words is serious ambition. He wants to build his name into something bigger than one night.