Joe Pyfer elaborated on the reasons behind his withdrawal from the UFC Mexico fight against Kelvin Gastelum on Saturday. He asserted that due to his experience, he will not only refuse to fight in Mexico again, but he will also avoid returning to the country altogether.
“Regardless of whether it offends anyone, I will never return to that country,” Pyfer stated on his Instagram stories. “I took all the necessary precautions: I slept in a tent, I made every effort, yet I still became ill.”
“Some suggest it wasn`t food poisoning, but altitude sickness,” Pyfer continued. “While I`m not an expert in geography or elevation, I was assured that acclimation would prevent issues. I acclimated for two months, sleeping in a tent on the floor, doing everything recommended. If this is the effect of altitude and elevation, then `f*ck that country`. I`m never fighting there again. It`s a terrible place. I won`t be back.”
“I`m not concerned if my statement is offensive. You`re not the one who was supposed to fight,” he added bluntly.
UFC officials announced Pyfer`s removal from the UFC Mexico card due to illness just hours before the event. Pyfer, a former Dana White’s Contender Series victor, explained that upon waking up Saturday after a team dinner the previous evening, he realized competing against Gastelum was unwise.
“I ate at a place that was considered safe,” Pyfer recounted. “A few hours later, I experienced severe diarrhea. I estimate I went to the bathroom at least ten or eleven times. My weight dropped from approximately 209 pounds to around 194 pounds.”
“Both the doctor and myself concluded that fighting under those conditions was not advisable. I understand this might disappoint some, but I must prioritize my health and well-being.”
Gastelum was scheduled for his return to the middleweight division and started the fight week as a significant underdog. However, the betting odds narrowed considerably as the week progressed.
While Gastelum, a former interim title contender, has hinted at upcoming “good news,” Pyfer expressed his hope that the UFC will reschedule the fight with Gastelum.
“I am confident I will decisively defeat Kelvin when we get the chance to fight again, assuming he agrees to a rematch,” Pyfer stated. “I also feel for Kelvin; I prevented him from earning his fight purse. I`m unsure if the UFC will compensate him, but it was never my intention to leave him in a difficult situation.”
“This is a fight that should happen; it`s an exciting matchup. We both bring action, and I hope we can reschedule it in the future. I apologize to my dedicated fans who were looking forward to seeing me compete. I was in peak condition and eager to fight.”
