Joe Pyfer disputes the idea that his initial defeat in the UFC was a true `fraud check`, suggesting instead that fans should look at fighters like Bo Nickal for a more fitting example of that label.
Pyfer`s loss to Jack Hermansson last February quickly drew `fraud check` commentary from some fans. However, Pyfer contends this assessment is unfair, arguing the defeat was not significant enough to justify the tag.
He posits that Bo Nickal`s knockout loss to Reinier De Ridder provides a more accurate illustration of what a `fraud check` truly looks like.
Joe Pyfer Criticizes Bo Nickal`s Loss as a `Fraud Check`
Having experienced the `fraud check` label firsthand after his first UFC defeat, Joe Pyfer understands the fan reaction. Nevertheless, having since bounced back with a win, he feels his performance against Hermansson warrants greater respect.
Speaking to reporters at the UFC 316 Media Day, Pyfer explained, “That was my first major show, my first real test, and I didn`t go into it feeling 100 percent. I was dealing with some issues, and it wasn`t my peak performance.”
Comparing his loss to Nickal`s, he continued, “But I wasn`t knocked out, dropped, or submitted; I wasn`t `fraud checked`. Let`s clarify what a `fraud check` means. If anyone was `fraud checked`, it was Bo Nickal; he was finished in his first loss. I lost a split decision, effectively three rounds to two, and that`s the reality.”
Joe Pyfer Addresses Controversial Remarks About Mexico Ahead of Kelvin Gastelum Fight at UFC 316
Following his forced withdrawal from his scheduled fight against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC Mexico City in March, Joe Pyfer faced considerable online backlash. He has pushed back against the criticism forcefully, doubling down on his strong negative feelings about competing and spending time in Mexico.
“I`ve never had to pull out of a fight before,” he stated. “So it was genuinely upsetting to see people make comments like, `I hope the cartel murders you, we hope your plane crashes, you`re a coward, we hope you die from whatever illness you have.`”
“My response was essentially a vulgar dismissal of those comments,” he said, reflecting his anger. “That`s exactly how I felt, and that`s why I stated that Mexico is a terrible place and I will never go back or fight there. The people were nice, I have no issue with them personally, but fighting there as a professional athlete makes absolutely no logical sense to me.”
“That`s simply my personal perspective, and everyone claims to support free speech until it`s actually exercised, then they attempt to silence you or accuse you of racism. Whatever, think what you want; I genuinely don`t care,” he added, using strong language to emphasize his indifference.
He cited negative personal experiences as justification: “My coaches and teammate were stopped by police who attempted to extort money they didn`t possess. Seriously, that`s unacceptable.”
He also referenced border issues as a reason to question the country`s standing: “We need to discuss why someone would argue it`s a great country; all we have to do is look at the immense number of people who have crossed the border over the years.”
Gareth Pendleton