UFC Rising Star Joe Pyfer’s Dark Joke About Israel Adesanya Upsets Fans

American middleweight fighter Joe Pyfer shares a meme on Israel Adesanya ahead of their upcoming main event clash at UFC Seattle.

UFC Rising Star Joe Pyfer’s Dark Joke About Israel Adesanya Upsets Fans

Joe Pyfer vs. Israel Adesanya (via X)

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Dana White recently announced the highly anticipated return of former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya at UFC Seattle this March. ‘The Last Stylebender’ will headline the event against Joe Pyfer, with massive hype already surrounding their intriguing main event clash. Ahead of the fight, Pyfer has started the mind games, adding extra intensity and online debates.

Joe Pyfer is well known for his unapologetic personality, often saying whatever he feels without worrying about reactions or possible consequences. Ahead of the fight, he shared an AI-generated image online, clearly aiming to create extra hype and fuel the growing rivalry. In the image, Pyfer appeared as a policeman, confidently taking a handcuffed Israel Adesanya, symbolically sending a sensitive message.

Previously, Joe Pyfer grabbed headlines after criticizing Mexico following an illness suffered before his scheduled bout with Kevin Gastelum. The fighter openly stated he would never return, claiming the experience completely ruined his preparation and opportunity. His remarks were viewed as disrespectful by many fans, who quickly responded online with criticism, disappointment, and strong emotional reactions.

Pyfer later attempted to clarify his intentions, but the comments continued circulating, ensuring the controversy remained a talking point everywhere. The American is currently riding a three-fight winning streak, with his most recent victory coming against Abusupiyan Magomedov impressively. Now ranked #15, Pyfer admitted he never expected an opportunity to face Israel Adesanya at this stage of his career.

Following the announcement, he praised Adesanya as one of the greatest middleweights ever while confidently backing himself to win. The fighter has opened as a betting favorite to win the upcoming fight, but Pyfer isn’t taking Adesanya lightly at all. 

I think that’s people sleeping on him because he’s on a 3-fight losing streak, but those are to the best guys in the world and the most active guys in the world. You can’t look too much into the odds, bro.

Joe Pyfer via The Ariel Helwani Show 

Ariel Helwani criticized Dana White, claiming the UFC CEO has not been taking his promotional responsibilities as seriously as before. He argued White delivered a lackluster announcement for Adesanya’s return, despite Izzy’s massive contributions to the organization over the years. Regardless, the hype remains strong, with fans excited to see the veteran attempt a meaningful comeback.

Fight fans react to Joe Pyfer’s recent post on Israel Adesanya 

Israel Adesanya’s last victory came three years ago when he flatlined Alex Pereira in their highly anticipated middleweight title rematch. That stunning knockout restored his championship pride and reminded fans why he was considered one of the division’s most dangerous strikers.

Israel Adesanya is ready for his comeback fight
Israel Adesanya is ready for his comeback fight (via X)

However, his momentum quickly vanished after he shockingly lost the belt to Sean Strickland in a one-sided defeat. Adesanya then attempted to reclaim his throne but failed against Dricus Du Plessis in another frustrating championship challenge in 2024. 

The loss further deepened doubts about his dominance and raised questions regarding his ability to adjust at the elite level again. Last year, he suffered a brutal knockout against Nassourdine Imavov, leaving fans stunned by the sudden and painful downfall.

The defeat pushed Adesanya into a three-fight losing streak, the first such difficult stretch of his remarkable professional career. Against Joe Pyfer, Izzy will test if his striking still has the capacity to fight at the top level. Nevertheless, here are some reactions from Pyfer’s latest mockery of Adesanya.

Fans reacted with surprise to the announcement, immediately debating styles, momentum, experience, and whether Pyfer deserved such a massive opportunity. Many supporters confidently backed Adesanya, believing his championship pedigree and striking intelligence would overwhelm the dangerous rising contender. 

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