Even though UFC battles in highly challenging locations, Joe Pyfer’s recent trip to Mexico had an unusual deviation outside the octagon.
He had to pull out of his bout with Kelvin Gastelum in Mexico City because of an illness. However, the part that actually grabbed the headlines was his furious reaction later on.
The 28-year-old Joe Pyfer’s strong views about Mexico, which many found offensive, sparked the Joe Pyfer controversy.
His reputation was at risk as a result of the controversy his comments created among combatants and spectators. It’s obvious that this issue is far from over as Pyfer deals with the fallout.
Joe Pyfer’s Divisive Remarks Regarding Mexico
After pulling out of his scheduled fight against Kelvin Gastelum in Mexico City, UFC middleweight Joe Pyfer has been the target of a wave of criticism for his controversial comments regarding Mexico.
Pyfer had to leave the match due to illness, most likely altitude sickness or food poisoning. “I’ll never go back to that country,” he said in a foul-mouthed rant on social media rather than just admitting his misfortune.
I will never fight again. F** that nation. He further fueled the anger by saying, “I don’t care if it’s offensive to you.”
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Fans and other fighters swiftly condemned Joe Pyfer’s comments, which sparked the Joe Pyfer controversy.
The UFC is unlikely to take any action despite the criticism because they have a history of letting athletes express their opinions without facing consequences.
Even though Pyfer’s fight with Gastelum is expected to be postponed, it’s clear that Mexican MMA fans won’t be welcoming him anytime soon.
Reactions from Fighters and Fans
The Joe Pyfer controversy has provoked strong reactions from rivals and fans alike after his controversial remarks against Mexico.
When Pyfer said he would never return to Mexico City after withdrawing from a scheduled fight there due to illness, he went on social media in a fury.
UFC flyweight Muhammad Mokaev swiftly responded by criticizing Pyfer’s conduct and lack of professionalism.
“TBF every country is a challenge, and you gotta go out there and adapt. It’s your own risk when you sign the contract, but if you signed, then stfu.” he wrote on Twitter.
Fans were swift to comment on what Joe Pyfer was doing following his notorious rant. Some have said that Pyfer is simply doing what he does best: being “salty.”
Others have criticized him for excuse-making and charged him with racism.
Fans were divided in wondering how a person could still remain a fan of him, with others describing him as “so unlikeable.”
Results and Highlights of UFC Mexico
Despite the Joe Pyfer controversy stealing some of the spotlight, UFC Mexico delivered an action-packed night filled with thrilling finishes and dominant performances.
The event saw multiple fighters earning performance bonuses and showcasing the rising talent in the UFC.
- Brandon Moreno def. Steve Erceg (Unanimous Decision) – Dominant hometown win.
- Manuel Torres def. Drew Dober (TKO, Round 1, 1:45) – Pulsating stoppage, performance bonus.
- Edgar Chairez def. C.J. Vergara (Submission, Round 1, 2:30) – Efficient finish, performance bonus.
- Raúl Rosas Jr. def. Vince Morales (Unanimous Decision) – Bright star ascends.
- David Martínez def. Saimon Oliveira (TKO, Round 1, 4:38) – Vicious stoppage, performance bonus.
- Ateba Abega Gautier def. José Daniel Medina (KO, Round 1, 3:32) – Harsh knee, performance bonus.
- Loopy Godínez def. Julia Polastri (Unanimous Decision) – One-sided wrestling performance.
- Jamall Emmers def. Gabriel Miranda (TKO, Round 1, 4:06) – Rapid stoppage.
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