Joe Pyfer Criticizes Mexico After Recent Fights

UFC middleweight Joe Pyfer has labeled Mexico a “sh*thole” and stated he won’t fight there again, citing issues like police shakedowns and food poisoning during his past visits.

Pyfer secured a victory over Kelvin Gastelum in New Jersey at UFC 316 last weekend. Interestingly, this fight was initially set to happen in Mexico City on March 29th, but Pyfer had to back out just hours before, claiming he was “super sick.”

What caused this sickness?

“I cooked 14 of the 15 meals,” Pyfer explained, adding, “I didn’t cook on the last day, and then I got really sick for weeks.” He shared this during a press conference on June 4th.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awh0hnunmc8

The fighter from New Jersey said he lost 14 pounds in just seven hours due to his health issues. Following his withdrawal, he faced a barrage of threats that prompted him to voice his concerns.

“So, Mexico is a sh*thole, and I said I’d never go back. I wouldn’t fight there again, but the people were nice. My issue is with the environment, not the people. To me, professional athletes don’t matter much in that context,” he shared.

Moreover, Pyfer mentioned instances where he and his coach were approached by officers requesting cash they didn’t have. He feels that his perspective on the situation in Mexico is valid, although he doesn’t quite grasp the pushback he’s faced.

“Why do we have to pretend every place is perfect? Just look at how many people…,” he remarked, trailing off.

When Pyfer finally fought Gastelum, he dominated the match. It’s uncertain whether this victory altered his mindset, but during a post-fight press conference, he adopted a more diplomatic tone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63cxwv-owmy

“In the end, things didn’t go well for me in Mexico,” Pyfer conceded, but reiterated that his remarks were not a reflection of the Mexican people or culture.

“I probably should have phrased it differently, but either way, I’d never fight there again,” he concluded.