Joe Pyfer Details Illness and Criticizes Mexico After UFC Withdrawal

Joe Pyfer has elaborated on the reasons behind his withdrawal from the UFC Mexico fight against Kelvin Gastelum. He also stated that due to his experience, he will never fight in Mexico again and won`t return to the country at all.

“I don’t care if it’s offensive to you, I will never go back to that country,” Pyfer stated on his Instagram. “I did everything correctly: I slept in a tent, I did all the preparations to still become sick.”

“Some people suggest it was altitude sickness, not the food. I`m not a geographic elevation scientist, but I was informed that acclimation would suffice—and I acclimated for two months, sleeping in a tent on the floor. I did everything possible to prepare. If this is the effect of altitude and elevation, then f*ck that country. I will never fight there again. It’s a sh*thole. I’m not going back.”

“I don’t care if it’s offensive. You’re not the one fighting. Suck my balls.”

UFC announced Pyfer’s withdrawal due to illness just hours before the UFC Mexico event. Pyfer, a Dana White’s Contender Series winner, mentioned that he woke up ill on Saturday after a team dinner the previous night and decided fighting Gastelum was unwise.

“We ate at a place that was supposedly reliable,” Pyfer recounted. “A few hours later, I got diarrhea. I believe I went to the bathroom at least 10 or 11 times. I went from about 209 pounds to approximately 194 pounds.”

“The doctor and I agreed it wasn’t smart to fight in that condition. I know it’s not what everyone wants to hear, but I must prioritize my health and well-being.”

Gastelum was scheduled for his middleweight return and started fight week as a significant underdog, though betting odds narrowed as the event approached.

While Gastelum has hinted at “good news” soon, Pyfer hopes UFC will reschedule the fight with Gastelum.

“I believe I will absolutely defeat Kelvin when we get the chance again, if he agrees to a rematch,” Pyfer said. “I also feel bad for Kelvin. I prevented him from earning his money. I’m unsure if they will compensate him, but it was never my intention to leave him in a bad situation.”

“We deserve to fight. It’s an exciting matchup… he’s a brawler, I’m a brawler, and I hope we can reschedule it. Apologies to my fans who were excited to watch me fight. I was in peak condition and eager to compete.”