“He Likes to Throw Bombs” – Israel Adesanya Welcomes Joe Pyfer’s Unusual ‘Wrapping’ Technique Ahead of Fight

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya reveals how he plans to tackle Joe Pyfer's unconventional methods.

“He Likes to Throw Bombs” – Israel Adesanya Welcomes Joe Pyfer’s Unusual ‘Wrapping’ Technique Ahead of Fight

Israel Adesanya's plan for Joe Pyfer (via MMA Mania)

In Short
  • Israel Adesanya is set to fight Joe Pyfer on March 28 at UFC Seattle, marking a critical return after a three-fight losing streak.
  • Adesanya plans to adapt his training to counter Pyfer's unconventional techniques, emphasizing his meticulous preparation.
  • The upcoming bout is seen as potentially one of Adesanya's final appearances in the UFC, as he estimates having fewer than 10 fights left in his career.

Israel Adesanya’s dominance as middleweight champion extended beyond his in-cage performances.
He demonstrated exceptional fight IQ, preparing meticulously for each opponent without taking shortcuts. Adesanya’s training routines were tailored uniquely to counter individual styles. He recently indicated plans to apply the same methodical approach against Joe Pyfer’s unconventional techniques.

Adesanya is scheduled to return against Pyfer on March 28 in the main event at UFC Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena in Washington. The bout is part of UFC Fight Night 271 and will be contested at middleweight over five rounds. Adesanya is 36 years old, while Pyfer is 29, making the Pennsylvania native almost seven years younger and entering the matchup riding an impressive three-fight win streak.

The pre-fight build-up between Adesanya and Pyfer has already begun, generating early attention. Pyfer has posted content on social media that references Adesanya and his former middleweight reign. These interactions mark the start of promotional activity leading up to UFC Seattle. ‘Stylebender’ has addressed Pyfer’s unconventional approach and indicated plans to adapt strategically for their matchup.

I heard he doesn’t wrap his hands cause he likes to throw bombs. I welcome that. I don’t wrap my hands when I do pads, when I do sparring. I don’t wrap hands either.

Israel Adesanya via Combat TV

Pyfer is widely recognized for his knockout power, a defining element of his MMA career. He secured a first-round knockout against Cody Brundage at UFC 279, demonstrating both precision and timing. His most recent victim was Marc Andre Barriault, who was knocked out with a round 1 overhand right at UFC 303. These stoppages illustrate Pyfer’s ability to end fights decisively and consistently with striking power.

Adesanya is known for his highly adaptive training, tailoring each session to counter specific opponents. He has undertaken intense endurance workouts inspired by David Goggins to push both mental and physical limits. He has also incorporated underwater training to boost cardio, lung capacity, and overall durability. These approaches demonstrate his commitment to demanding preparation and peak performance.

The upcoming fight could be one of Israel Adesanya’s final UFC appearances after nearly fifteen years in combat sports. Recent setbacks and limited competition suggest he is approaching the later stages of his career. His adaptation of Pyfer’s unconventional training shows no threads are left loose in preparation. This approach highlights his focus on performance and readiness for a challenging return to the Octagon.

Israel Adesanya reveals why Joe Pyfer is the most important opponent of his career

Israel Adesanya has faced a series of setbacks in recent UFC competition, resulting in three consecutive defeats. He lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 by unanimous decision and was submitted by Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 in the fourth round. Most recently, he suffered a second-round technical knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov, further extending his losing streak.

Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya (via MMA Fighting)

After the three-fight losing streak, many speculated that Adesanya might retire due to the mental and physical toll of consecutive defeats. Despite these challenges, he took time for self-reflection and a reassessment of his career. He is now preparing to return against Joe Pyfer, focusing on both strategic and physical readiness. Adesanya has highlighted the high stakes surrounding his UFC Seattle main event.

I’ll say, for me, it’s not really about him; this is about me. This is the biggest fight of his life. It’s the biggest fight of my life in another way – not like it is for him, but as it is for me. I’ve been sitting at the top, still at the top, doing more than a lot of guys who are even champions.

Israel Adesanya via Combat TV

Israel Adesanya has outlined a potential retirement timeline, estimating he has fewer than 10 fights left before ending his MMA career. His extensive experience includes more than 80 professional kickboxing bouts and roughly 30 MMA fights, contributing to a significant physical and mental toll over time. The perspective reflects his preparation for the Joe Pyfer matchup as a final chapter in combat sports.

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