Joe Pyfer Reveals Why He Pulled Out of UFC Mexico Fight with Gastelum: “I’ll Never Pull Out Again”

The MMA world was buzzing this weekend when rising middleweight prospect Joe “Bodybagz” Pyfer was noticeably absent from his scheduled UFC Mexico City bout against veteran Kelvin Gastelum. Now, Pyfer has broken his silence about what happened behind the scenes – and he’s making a bold promise to fans and the UFC.

In case you missed it, Gastelum instead faced undefeated prospect Daniel Lacerda at UFC Mexico City, securing a unanimous decision victory in front of his home crowd.

The Real Reason Pyfer Withdrew from UFC Mexico

In a candid social media post, Pyfer revealed he was dealing with serious health issues that forced him to make the difficult decision to withdraw from the fight. While he didn’t specify the exact medical condition, the middleweight contender emphasized it was severe enough that fighting would have been dangerous.

“I know fans were disappointed, and nobody was more upset than me,” Pyfer stated. “But when doctors tell you competing could lead to permanent damage, you have to make the tough call.”

Sources close to Pyfer’s camp indicated he was dealing with a combination of illness and injury during his training camp that ultimately made it impossible to compete safely.

Pyfer’s Bold Promise: “Never Again”

What’s catching everyone’s attention isn’t just the withdrawal explanation but Pyfer’s remarkable promise to the UFC and his growing fanbase.

“Because of these circumstances, I’ll never pull out of a fight again,” Pyfer declared. “I’ve learned from this, adjusted my training and recovery protocols, and this isn’t something that will happen twice.”

That’s an extraordinary commitment in a sport where injuries and medical issues regularly force fight cancellations. UFC President Dana White has often spoken about fighters who consistently show up regardless of circumstances – and it appears Pyfer is determined to join those ranks.

What This Means for Pyfer’s Career

The 27-year-old Pyfer has been one of the UFC’s most promising middleweight prospects since earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022. With a 3-1 UFC record (12-3 overall), he was looking to use the Gastelum fight as a major stepping stone toward the rankings.

MMA analyst Daniel Cormier recently commented: “Joe’s got all the tools to be a championship contender, but staying active and healthy is crucial in this sport. If he can back up this promise of reliability, that’s going to matter tremendously to the UFC matchmakers.”

What’s Next for “Bodybagz”?

I’m hearing from sources that Pyfer is already targeting a summer return to the Octagon. While no opponent has been named, there’s speculation the UFC might rebook the Gastelum matchup or potentially give Pyfer another ranked opponent.

“I want to make this up to the fans and the UFC,” Pyfer said. “The next time you see me in there, I’m coming with everything I’ve got.”

The middleweight division is currently wide open with champion Dricus Du Plessis looking for challengers after his victory over Sean Strickland. While Pyfer needs a few more wins before entering title conversations, his powerful striking and submission skills make him one of the division’s most intriguing prospects.

Fan Reactions

Fan response to Pyfer’s announcement has been mixed on social media. Many have expressed support for the fighter putting his health first, while others question the boldness of promising to never withdraw again in such an unpredictable sport.

One thing’s certain – all eyes will be on Pyfer’s next booking announcement and whether he can deliver on his promise of reliability moving forward.

The Bottom Line

In the unpredictable world of MMA, fighters pulling out of contests is unfortunately common. What makes Pyfer’s situation interesting is not just his withdrawal but his commitment to never letting it happen again. If he can maintain this promise while continuing his exciting fighting style, the UFC will likely fast-track him toward bigger opportunities.

For now, fans will have to wait to see “Bodybagz” back in action – but when he returns, expect a fighter with something to prove.

What do you think about Pyfer’s promise? Is it realistic in a sport as demanding as MMA? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: Joe Pyfer’s social media accounts and UFC Mexico City event coverage