Joe Pyfer contends his initial UFC defeat was unfairly labeled a `fraud check` by fans. He argues that his loss to Jack Hermansson last February wasn`t severe enough to warrant the term, despite being his first under the UFC banner. Pyfer suggests that if fans seek a true `fraud check`, they should instead consider Bo Nickal`s decisive knockout loss to Reinier De Ridder.
Pyfer Contrasts His Loss with Nickal`s `Fraud Check`
Reflecting on his first UFC setback, Pyfer understands the fan tendency to label performances, but having since secured a win, he feels his effort against Hermansson warrants more respect.
Speaking at a UFC 316 Media Day, Pyfer stated, “That was my first big show, my first big test, and I walked into it not 100 percent… it wasn’t my best performance.” He continued, “But I didn’t get rocked, I didn’t get dropped, I didn’t get submitted, I didn’t get ‘fraud checked’. Let’s redefine what ‘fraud checked’ is and if anybody got ‘fraud checked’ we can say it was Bo Nickal, he got finished on his first loss. I lost a split decision basically three rounds to two so it is what it is.”
Pyfer Doubles Down on Critical Remarks Regarding Mexico Ahead of Gastelum Bout
Pyfer faced significant online backlash after withdrawing from his scheduled fight against Kelvin Gastelum in Mexico City in March. He isn`t backing down from his controversial comments about disliking competing and spending time in Mexico.
Addressing the hateful online comments, he recounted reactions wishing him harm. He responded directly, stating his strong negative feelings about fighting in Mexico. He explained, “fighting there as a professional athlete makes no f—ing sense to me.” Pyfer defended his right to express his opinion, dismissing accusations of racism and criticizing the country based on personal experiences like his team being targeted by police for shakedowns. He also referenced border crossings as a point of criticism, saying, “all we have to do is look at how many people have f—ing crossed the border in how many years.”
