Joe Pyfer cancels fight with Kelvin Gastelum due to illness
- Joe Pyfer withdrew from the UFC Mexico card due to illness leading to the cancellation of his fight with Kelvin Gastelum.
- The UFC adapted by elevating other fights on the card, still maintaining a strong lineup for the event.
- The absence of the Pyfer-Gastelum fight created controversy and backlash against Pyfer on social media.
On March 29, 2025, in Mexico City, Joe Pyfer's fight with Kelvin Gastelum was officially canceled due to illness. Pyfer had experienced health issues that led to his withdrawal from what was supposed to be a middleweight matchup on the UFC Mexico card. The fight had been highly anticipated, especially following his recent success in the octagon, including a knockout victory in June 2024. As a result of Pyfer’s withdrawal, UFC officials were unable to find a replacement fighter on short notice, which forced them to adjust the event lineup. They elevated the previously scheduled fight between José Daniel Medina and Ateba Gautier to the featured prelim status and moved other matchups onto the main card. Despite the absence of Pyfer versus Gastelum, the event retained a strong headliner with a flyweight battle between Brandon Moreno and Steve Erceg and a co-main event featuring Manuel Torres against Drew Dober. Many boxing fans were excited about the prospect of these fights, but the loss of the Pyfer-Gastelum matchup left a noticeable gap in the card that fans felt keenly. Joe Pyfer attributed his health issues to conditions in Mexico following his withdrawal, creating a backlash from fans and sparking controversy on social media. His comments drew criticism, with some labeling him as 'Salty Joe' and questioning his character due to feelings of unfairness surrounding his situation. These events highlight the potential for unexpected circumstances to disrupt planned matchups in mixed martial arts while emphasizing the connection athletes have with their fans and the consequences of their public behavior.