“I Lost $25K” – Joe Pyfer Doesn’t Regret Controversial Comment On Mexico

UFC middleweight fighter Joe Pyfer doubled down on his previous comment, slamming Mexico over his illness before the fight.

“I Lost $25K” – Joe Pyfer Doesn’t Regret Controversial Comment On Mexico

Joe Pyfer doesn't regret his previous comments on Mexico (via X)

Before stepping inside the octagon, UFC fighters go through a grueling fight camp spanning over weeks of intense physical preparation. On top of that, they have to travel and make the weight cut, which is widely regarded as one of the toughest ordeals. Throughout this whole process, anything can go wrong and that’s exactly what happened with Joe Pyfer in his last Mexico event.

Pyfer was scheduled to face Kelvin Gastelum at UFC Mexico but pulled out due to food-related illness in Mexico City. According to Pyfer, he fell seriously ill after dining at a local restaurant, blaming the country’s food hygiene and preparation standards. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Pyfer doubled down, defending his controversial comments and expressing frustration over his ruined opportunity.

I don’t have to go into specifics, but if the country was so great, we wouldn’t have so many problems…I don’t understand why we would risk fighting there. I had nothing to say bad about the people. I lost 25k going out there… Unfortunately it’s nobody’s fault but mine, right?

As expected, his previous comments angered many Mexican fight fans, who criticized Pyfer for unfair generalizations about their country. The rising star later mentioned he would never return to Mexico and controversially referred to the country as a ‘s**thole’. Though he insists there’s no disrespect intended toward the people or culture, Pyfer refuses to apologize for his harsh remarks.

I don’t have to retract that statement. I know it didn’t make people happy, but yeah, this is my career and I’m the one that got bent over at the end of the day and didn’t get to make any money or fight.

Now, Pyfer has another opportunity to fight Gastelum at UFC 316, scheduled to take place in New Jersey. He expressed excitement about the rescheduled matchup and sees it as a stepping stone toward climbing the UFC middleweight rankings. The knockout artist aims to become the first man to knock out the veteran Gastelum and believes the task won’t be difficult.

On the other hand, Gastelum considers Joe Pyfer very disrespectful because of his recent negative comments about Mexico. Given Gastelum’s strong Mexican heritage, this upcoming fight has gained a personal edge, increasing interest among UFC fans worldwide. Despite the veteran’s recent inconsistent performance streak, fans remain curious whether he can overcome Pyfer and secure a significant victory.

What’s UFC planning for Noche UFC in Mexico this year?

The success of Noche UFC last year was remarkable, showcasing Mexican culture through thrilling fights and heartfelt tributes to heritage. UFC elevated Mexican Independence Day by honoring legendary Mexican fighters and celebrating traditions, creating a memorable event full of pride. Fans appreciated the respect shown toward Mexico as it took place inside the iconic Las Vegas Sphere.

UFC Noche to take place in Mexico this time
UFC Noche to take place in Mexico this time (via X)

The collaboration with the Las Vegas Sphere transformed live sports by blending immersive visuals with cultural storytelling, creating a groundbreaking experience. The “For Mexico, For All Time” segments honored Mexican heritage using cinematic LED displays, elevating UFC 306’s impact.

This innovation earned two Sports Emmy Awards, setting a new production standard and showcasing how sports can celebrate culture through technology. Some consider to be the peak of Dana White as a promoter.

This year, Noche UFC is expected to take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, bringing excitement for a locally hosted celebration event. Mexican fans may see one of their own headline, as Yair Rodriguez is rumored to face Alexander Volkanovski for featherweight gold. Although no official announcement has been made, Movsar Evloev’s recent cryptic tweet has strongly hinted at the potential title matchup.

Apart from that, last year’s main event star Merab Dvalishvili expressed interest in fighting at Noche UFC. Following his expected win over Sean O’Malley at UFC 316, Dvalishvili hopes to stay active and headline another significant event. After all, the bantamweight champion has connections to Mexico that he has developed after travelling to the USA as an immigrant.

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