5 Joe Pyfer Opponent Ideas After UFC Seattle Win Over Israel Adesanya, Including ‘Fluffy’
· Yahoo Sports
On Saturday night, Joe Pyfer got the biggest opportunity of his career with a UFC Seattle main event class against middleweight legend Israel Adesanya. While the former division king put up serious resistance and seemed to be getting the better of “BodyBagz,” the American’s power became too much for the New Zealander, and he scored the fourth knockout win of his UFC career.
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The victory vaulted Pyfer into the UFC middleweight rankings and sets him up for some big matchups later this year. But who could he face next? We look at five potential options for the 29-year-old in his Octagon return.
Reinier de Ridder
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesThe UFC may not want to push Pyfer into a clash with a top-five foe. But he deserves to face a fighter in the top 10. That is why former ONE Championship two-division titlist Reinier de Ridder could be an option. The Dutch grappler was where Pyfer is now last year. On a hot streak and in range of a title fight.
However, back-to-back losses have derailed his championship hopes. Nevertheless, both bring different strengths to a potential fight and would offer the other a serious test.
Anthony Hernandez
Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesIf the company did feel Pyfer is closing in on a title fight, a clash with someone like Anthony Hernandez would make sense. “Fluffy” was a win away from a title bout earlier this year. However, his loss to Sean Strickland dropped him down a peg. But a victory over a red-hot fighter like Pyfer would thrust him right back into the contender conversation.
For Pyfer, a win over a top-five fighter would quiet the doubters who aren’t sold on him yet because of the wins he has so far in the UFC.
Gregory Rodrigues
Bob DeChiara-Imagn ImagesIf the UFC wants to put “Bodybagz” into a fan-friendly scrap, Brazilian Gregory Rodrigues would be a strong option. “Robocop” has a similar fight style and thunder in his fists. He is also on a three-fight win streak and has been victorious in six of his last seven. The winner would be deserving of a matchup with a title contender in their next bout.
Jared Cannonier
Timothy D. Easley/Special to the Courier-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORKThe promotion could fall back on their traditional fighter-building strategy and give Pyfer a scrap with a big-name opponent well-removed from their prime. Similar to what they just did by booking him against Adesanya. In that case, former title challenger Jared Cannonier would be a fit.
He has been one of the middleweight division’s best fighters over the last five years, so getting his name on Pyfer’s resume would be a very nice addition. And after losing three of his last four, the rising star would be catching the 42-year-old on the way down.
Michael Page
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesWhile it would be very risky, the UFC could place Joe Pyfer in a clash with Michael Page. Company executives have quickly soured on the Englishman’s unique style. However, it is hard to cut a competitor who is 4-1 inside the Octagon.
But just a few weeks away from his 39th birthday, now may be the perfect time to put Pyfer in there with “Venom.” If he can score a knockout win, the company would love him for it because it would give them a reason to cut Page and his, at times, tough-to-watch fight style.
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