It was all love between the two UFC Seattle headliners ahead of their clash on Saturday.
The upcoming event could be make-or-break for Israel Adesanya’s continued presence inside the Octagon, with many predicting retirement should he fall to a fourth straight loss.
Joe Pyfer will take on Adesanya at the Climate Pledge Arena, looking to further his middleweight ambitions and potentially bring the legendary two-time champion’s tenure to an end.
But those high stakes have not resulted in any animosity.
Is UFC Seattle win or go home for Israel Adesanya?
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Joe Pyfer thanked Israel Adesanya for accepting their UFC Seattle fight
Adesanya faced off with Pyfer for the first and last time at Friday’s ceremonial weigh-ins.
The pair are now just hours away from headlining a UFC Fight Night card that also features outings for notable names like Alexa Grasso, Michael Chiesa, Terrance McKinney, Chase Hooper, and Adrian Yanez.
Dana White uploaded footage from the UFC Seattle main event face-off on social media, which revealed the classy conversation that transpired between ‘The Last Stylebender’ and ‘Bodybagz’.
Pyfer acknowledged that Adesanya did not need to take a fight against a rising prospect and thanked his rival for doing so.
“You’re a champion for taking this (fight),” the American said.
The middleweight GOAT contender responded in kind.
“You gave me a shot, so it’s my turn. But I’m gonna bring my best, you bring your best,” Adesanya said.
Adesanya’s knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov in February 2025 extended his losing skid to three, coming after title fight setbacks against Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland.
Pyfer, meanwhile, has won three bouts in a row since suffering the first defeat of his UFC career against veteran contender Jack Hermansson in 2024.
