In recent years, the UFC has demonstrated a keen interest in promoting fighters with the potential to become stars, and one such emerging prospect is Joe Pyfer. The middleweight fighter made a significant impact on Dana White’s Contender Series with a knockout victory and has continued his success with three consecutive finishes in the octagon.
Pyfer, known as ‘Bodybagz,’ showcased his skills by knocking out Alen Amedovski and Gerald Meerschaert and impressively displaying a well-rounded game with a submission victory over Abdul Razak Alhassan.
With an exciting fighting style, a likable personality, and acknowledgment of a debt to Dana White for reportedly helping him secure accommodation, Pyfer has become a fighter the promotion is eager to promote.
However, the pivotal question is whether he can excel against an elite-level opponent, and his upcoming bout against veteran Jack Hermansson promises to be a significant test.
Jack Hermansson, also known as ‘The Joker,’ has been a prominent figure in the UFC since 2016. While he faced setbacks in some high-profile fights, he remains a dangerous fighter with a top-15 ranking. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, Hermansson shares the same height as Pyfer but possesses a significant 2.5-inch reach advantage.
Hermansson effectively utilizes his reach to maintain distance and secure opportunistic submissions, particularly choke variants. However, Pyfer may find hope in Hermansson’s vulnerability, as his recent bout ended in a knockout loss to Roman Dolidze, raising questions about the veteran’s chin.
For Pyfer to succeed, he needs to navigate Hermansson’s reach advantage, land significant strikes, and potentially exploit the vulnerability shown in Hermansson’s recent defeat. However, if Pyfer approaches the fight tentatively, Hermansson could capitalize on his experience to either pick him apart or secure a submission victory.
Considering that this is Pyfer’s first headline bout and the experienced Hermansson has been in similar situations before, ‘The Joker’ appears to be the safer pick for victory, potentially securing a third-round submission.
