UFC 316: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer: Live round-by-round updates
Kelvin Gastelum and Joe Pyfer finally meet in a rescheduled middleweight showdown. Originally set for March in Mexico City, Pyfer was forced to pull out due to illness.
Gastelum, meanwhile, returns to his old stomping ground at 185 pounds. The former Ultimate Fighter winner has built a career around facing elite talent but enters this bout with questions after recent weight issues.
Pyfer is on the opposite end of the career arc. The 28-year-old has surged since earning his UFC contract, finishing four of his five wins. Though he stumbled against Jack Hermansson earlier this year, that fight provided valuable experience. Pyfer bounced back with a blistering knockout win over Marc-Andre Barriault.
Gastelum will look to use his boxing and durability to slow Pyfer's charge. On the other hand, Pyfer will aim to prove he belongs in the conversation among the division’s best.
Don’t miss UFC 316, live from Prudential Center on June 7. Prelims start at 8 pm ET. Main card kicks off at 10 pm ET. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live round-by-round updates.
Round 1
Pyfer starts out as the aggressor with low calf kicks. Gastelum parrying the lead, and he gets cracked with an overhand right. Pyfer drops Gastelum and swarms in to finish the fight. Pyfer continues to stay on the attack and stings Gastelum with body punches. Gastelum seems to have settled into the fight, attacking the body now with short punches. Pyfer is looking for the opening with the right hand. Beautiful jab from Gastelum and Pyfer lands a beautiful head kick. He drops Gastelum again with an overhand right.
Our Score: 10-8 Pyfer
Round 2
Gastelum tries to duck under the shots of Pyfer and get in range. Beautiful left uppercut from Pyfer on the entry. A lot of handfighting in this round as Pyfer explodes with a one-two combination. Gastelum is struggling to get going with his attacks. Pyfer is in cruise control, and both fighters engage in a wild exchange. This is a better round for Gastelum, landing more significant strikes than Pyfer.
Our Score: 10-9 Pyfer (20-17)
Round 3
Pyfer stings Gastelum with a right hand. However, Gastelum is pushing the pace now. Pyfer waits for the opportune moment to land a one-two combination. Gastelum catches Pyfer with a one-two combination. He initiates the clinch and digs to the body. Pyfer shoots for a takedown, and Gastelum immediately reverses the position. Good elbow on the break by Pyfer. Beautiful overhand right by Gastelum. Solid inside leg kick by Gastelum. He's pressing Pyfer against the cage and lands a few punches to close out the round.
Our Score: 10-9 Gastelum (29-27)
Official Result
Joe Pyfer defeats Kelvin Gastelum via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, and 30-27)