Kelvin Gastelum expressed frustration over Joe Pyfer’s disparaging remarks about Mexico, labeling it a “shit hole” country after pulling out of their scheduled fight. Gastelum, a Mexican-American fighter, found Pyfer’s comments offensive and criticized his lack of respect for other cultures. Despite UFC’s attempt to reschedule their fight to the weekend following Pyfer’s initial withdrawal, Gastelum opted for a later date to avoid giving his opponent a perceived advantage. The two fighters are now set to face off this Saturday night at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. Gastelum has won two of his last three bouts, while Pyfer boasts a 4-1 record in the UFC.
By the Numbers
- Gastelum has won 2 of his last 3 fights, including victories over Chris Curtis and Daniel Rodriguez.
- Joe Pyfer has a UFC record of 4-1, with his only loss to Jack Hermansson in 2024.
State of Play
- The fight is set for this Saturday at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.
- Gastelum is keen on showcasing his skills after the withdrawal from their fight in Mexico City.
What’s Next
Following their fight, both athletes will aim to improve their standings in the middleweight division, with Gastelum looking to leverage home crowd support while Pyfer seeks redemption from past setbacks.
Bottom Line
Respect for cultural differences is crucial in sports; athletes should be mindful of their words and the impact they can have, especially in a global arena like the UFC.
