If anyone ever doubts the importance of experience in MMA, look no further than the main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 236. Joe Pyfer, who had been on a three-fight winning streak in the UFC, suffered his first loss in the octagon against Jack Hermansson.
Pyfer entered the middleweight headliner against Hermansson with utmost confidence, having finished his previous three opponents. He showcased his dominance in the first and second rounds of the fight.
However, the narrative took a turn in the third round when Hermansson landed a powerful punch that affected Pyfer’s vision. In that moment of adversity, Pyfer struggled while Hermansson, with his veteran experience, took control and ultimately won the fight by unanimous decision. This unexpected outcome raised doubts about whether Pyfer was outmatched and overhyped.
Pyfer’s next performance will be crucial in determining his true potential. If he has learned from this experience and improved his output, pacing, and ability to control the flow of a fight, he will undoubtedly grow as a fighter. However, if he fails to make these adjustments, this main event loss may be the peak of his career. Nevertheless, at just 27 years old, Pyfer still has a bright future ahead.
Before Pyfer gets another opportunity to face a ranked opponent, he needs to accumulate one or two wins. Many believe that he was pushed too quickly into this position, so his next opponent with a ranking must be well-deserved.
A suitable rebound fight for Pyfer could be against the winner of the upcoming UFC Fight Night matchup between Eryk Anders and Jamie Pickett. Both fighters have experience and have faced notable names in the division. Comparing and contrasting how Pyfer would fare against them would be intriguing. The fight is scheduled for March 2, giving Pyfer enough time to recover and align his timeline with that of the winner.
According to the Source mmajunkie.usatoday.com