Overview
- Israel Adesanya vs. Joe Pyfer is set for March 28 at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, matching the No. 6 middleweight against the No. 14 contender.
- Dricus du Plessis, once a fierce rival, praised Adesanya for “putting his reputation on the line” by taking an up-and-coming knockout artist.
- Joe Pyfer is the betting favorite, and his coach Din Thomas said the UFC’s choice of opponent signals confidence in Pyfer’s rise.
- Thomas warned that Adesanya “might even be more dangerous now,” citing the urgency created by his three-fight losing streak.
- Du Plessis is targeting an April return after losing his title to Khamzat Chimaev, underscoring active reshuffling in the middleweight ranks.