Joe Pyfer has elaborated on the reasons behind his withdrawal from the UFC Mexico event, where he was scheduled to face Kelvin Gastelum. Due to his experience, Pyfer declared he will not only avoid fighting in Mexico again but will also never visit the country.
“I don`t care if people are offended, but I am never going back to that country,” Pyfer expressed in his Instagram stories. “I took all necessary precautions, including sleeping in a tent to acclimate, and still became ill.”
Pyfer addressed suggestions that altitude sickness might have been the cause, stating, “Some are speculating about altitude sickness, not food poisoning. While I am not an expert on geographical elevation, I followed advice to acclimate for two months and slept in a tent to prepare. If this is the result of altitude and elevation, then `f*ck that country.` I am not fighting there again. It`s a sh*thole, and I won`t return.”
“For those who find my comments offensive, I don’t care. You`re not the one who was supposed to fight. Mind your own business,” Pyfer added.
UFC officials announced Pyfer’s removal from the card just hours before the event due to illness. Pyfer, a former Dana White`s Contender Series winner, explained that he woke up on Saturday morning after a team dinner the previous evening and realized fighting Gastelum was unwise.
“I ate at a place that was supposedly reputable,” Pyfer recounted. “A few hours later, I experienced severe diarrhea. I estimate I went to the bathroom at least 10 or 11 times. My weight dropped significantly from around 209 pounds to approximately 194 pounds.”
“Both the doctor and myself agreed that competing in that condition was not sensible. I understand it`s disappointing, but I have to prioritize my health and well-being.”
Gastelum was returning to the middleweight division and was initially considered a significant underdog for the fight. However, betting odds narrowed considerably as the fight approached.
While Gastelum has hinted at “positive news” soon, Pyfer hopes the UFC will reschedule the fight with Gastelum.
“I am confident I will decisively defeat Kelvin when we eventually fight, if he agrees to reschedule,” Pyfer stated. “I also feel for Kelvin, as I prevented him from earning his fight purse. I hope the UFC will compensate him, as it was never my intention to leave him in a difficult position.”
“We both deserve this fight; it promises to be exciting. We both bring a brawling style, and I hope we can make it happen in the future. I apologize to my fans who were excited to watch me fight. I was in peak condition and eager to compete.”
