Israel Adesanya Vs. Joe Pyfer Breakdown

“I was going to fight last year, but then I got injured in the gym, and that opportunity got taken away. It was a short-notice fight, as well. I’ve never done one of those, so that would have been exciting. RDR on five weeks’, six weeks’ notice. I was already training, so I was getting ready for a fight. “It would have been like, ‘Right, I’ve never done this before. You’re fit. Hop in there.’ But then that moment got taken away from me. “That’s, in hindsight, the best thing. Even though I wasn’t happy with it then, it was the best thing,” Adesanya said

“I’m going to be a really physical guy, putting pressure, but smart pressure. I’m going to cause damage. I won’t go into too much detail, but we’re already drafting people to mimic him for our gameplan. I have my homework cut out for me, but I’m going to be very effective…as long as I’m healthy. You will see the best version of me, and I think I’m going to get the finish — whether it’s a submission or a knockout,” Pyfer stated

The Approach

Tactically, expect Adesanya to return to a high-volume leg-kicking strategy early on. By targeting Pyfer’s lead calf, he can capitalize on his 5-inch reach advantage to slow Pyfer’s explosive entries. If he can make Pyfer hesitate, Adesanya can utilize his lateral movement to circle away from the fence, where he has been trapped in previous outings. His goal is to make Pyfer miss and eat counters.

Pyfer will likely pressure Adesanya against the fence and initiate clinch exchanges. By leaning his weight on the leaner Adesanya, Pyfer can drain the veteran’s gas tank and take away the space needed for those kicks. Specifically, Pyfer will likely employ a “double-jab to overhand” entry. Imavov found success with the overhand right by timing Adesanya’s lean-back defense; Pyfer has the speed and the power to replicate that. If he can force Adesanya to respect the takedown, the chin becomes a much easier target.

Full Card

Israel Adesanya vs Joe Pyfer – Middleweight

Alexa Grasso vs Maycee Barber 2 – Women’s Flyweight

Michael Chiesa vs Carlston Harris – Welterweight

Julian Erosa vs Lerryan Douglas – Featherweight

Mansur Abdul-Malik vs Yousri Belgaroui – Middleweight

Terrance McKinney vs Kyle Nelson – Lightweight

Prelims

Ignacio Bahamondes vs Tofiq Musayev – Lightweight

Chase Hooper vs Lance Gibson Jr – Lightweight

Marcin Tybura vs Valter Walker – Heavyweight

Casey O’Neil vs Gabriella Fernandes – Women’s Flyweight

Navajo Stirling vs Bruno Lopes – Light Heavyweight

Alexia Thainara vs Bruna Brasil – Women’s Strawweight

Zhu Kangjie vs Marcio Barbosa – Featherweight