One of the most intriguing matchups on the map did not take place during the recent journey from the Octagon to Mexico City.
Kelvin Gastelum was completely ready to compete in the middleweight until Joe Pyfer withdrew from the match because of a disease he has been suffering from since his arrival.
Although that Gastelum did not stop to remember one night while he was partying with Henry Cejudo after the event, the same cannot be said for his opponent.
The disease that Pyfer suffered from, led to him and released a video in which he hardly criticized Mexico City and never promised to return.
Both men had a lot to win from the matchup and as a result they are now again planned for a later date with the location that hopefully did not cause any problems this time.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Kelvin Gastelum refers the comments from Joe Pyfer in the first reaction to Respond Fight for UFC 316
After the late notice cancellation of their fight in Mexico city, Kelvin Gastelum and Joe Pyfer will now meet each other on UFC 316 on 7 June in the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Dana White recently announced the two title fights that will head this card with Merab Dvalishvili who defends his Bantamweight title in a rematch with Sean O'Malley in the main event.
The news of the rear -up fight was initially broken by the Pyfer coach before it was confirmed by several sources.
Both men come from victories, but this collision can still be a huge moment for one of their career, depending on who comes at the top.
Despite the clear meaning of this competition only on paper, some added interests have now been added because of the reaction Pyfer received after his comments about Mexico City.
On March 29, there seemed to be no form of tension between the two men prior to their match, but the reaction of Gastelum to the fight that is being resisted suggests that he does not like his next opponent in recent weeks.
The former Interim title Challenger needs a big win on 7 June, but he clearly wants to send a message at the same time.
UFC 316 could be a huge option for Kelvin Gastelum
Kelvin Gastelum has not had a major form of form since his incredible war with Israel Adesanya in UFC 236 in 2019.
A victory over Joe Pyfer on UFC 316 would be the first time that he has achieved consecutive victories since 2018, making it a hugely important fight for him in the first place.
However, because Pyfer is not exactly in the good books of the fans at the moment, a victory would also give Gastelum a number of much -needed favor that he has not had in recent times.
One victory over the pronounced American could be exactly what the 33-year-old needs to get some momentum behind him at the start of a large decrease in form.
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