In what was only Joe Pyfer’s second UFC main event of his career, the rising American star stole the show at UFC Seattle this weekend by claiming a dominant knockout victory over former Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya at the Climate Pledge Arena on Sunday morning.
The fight began with Pyfer immediately looking to close the distance on Adesanya for the takedown, which was initially stuffed by the former champion.
In response to the pressure, Adesanya chopped his opponent with a flurry of leg kicks while he kept moving forward.
Pyfer eventually managed to take Adesanya down in the final seconds of the first round as he landed crucial shots on the 36-year-old.
Adesanya continued to go to the body in round two, while the fight was stopped for 30 seconds due to an eye poke by the Nigerian fighter. With no points taken, Adesanya decided to let his hands go and made solid connections in the process.
Pyfer responded with powerful hooks before securing a takedown, as he switched between a mount position before getting Adesanya’s back thereafter.
From there on, it was over for Adesanya, as a series of ground and pound punches was enough for the referee to step in and stop the fight.
'GOD RESTORED ME'
Speaking after the fight, Pyfer held back the tears as he revealed that he had nearly taken his own life a few weeks ago.
"I almost took my own life a couple of weeks ago, but I found God," Pyfer said.
"I don't like crying, so I'm going to keep it together. God restored me, that's the only reason I'm here."
As for Adesanya, the former champion shut down retirement talk as he hinted at competing in future fights.
"You keep going – again and again and again and again," Adesanya said.
"I'm not f–-ing leaving. You'll never stop me. I might get beat, but I'll always remain undefeated."
UFC Fight Night: Adesanya v Pyfer Main Card results
Joe Pyfer defeated Israel Adesanya via TKO (ground-and-pound) at 4:18 of Round 2
Maycee Barber def. Alexa Grasso via KO (punch) at 2:42 of Round 1
Michael Chiesa def. Niko Price via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:03 of Round 1
Lerryan Douglas def. Julian Erosa via KO (punches) at 3:33 of Round 1
Yousri Belgaroui def. Mansur Abdul-Malik via TKO (knee) at 3:39 of Round 3
Terrance McKinney def. Kyle Nelson via TKO (punches) at 0:24 of Round 1