Joe Pyfer’s Bandaged Hands Almost Made History Against Gastelum at UFC 316
In what could have been one of the most memorable knockouts in UFC middleweight history, Joe “Bodybagz” Pyfer came tantalizingly close to doing what no fighter has accomplished before – knocking out the iron-chinned Kelvin Gastelum. The dramatic showdown at UFC 316 this past weekend had fans on the edge of their seats, especially when they noticed something unusual about Pyfer’s hands.
The Unwrapped Revelation That Has Fans Talking
If you missed the fight (where have you been?), something unusual caught everyone’s attention during the broadcast. Pyfer was fighting with minimally wrapped hands – a detail that immediately sparked conversations across social media platforms and in MMA circles.
What makes this story even more fascinating is that despite giving up this tactical advantage, Pyfer still managed to rock Gastelum multiple times throughout their three-round war. He had the former Ultimate Fighter winner wobbling and seemingly on the verge of a historic finish.
“I almost became the first guy to knock him out,” Pyfer told reporters at the post-fight press conference. “Even with these bandaged-up hands, I had him hurt bad. But that man’s chin is different.”
The Legendary Chin of Kelvin Gastelum
Let’s take a moment to appreciate what we’re talking about here. Gastelum has faced a murderer’s row of middleweights including:
- Israel Adesanya
- Robert Whittaker
- Jared Cannonier
- Darren Till
None of these elite strikers – some of the most devastating punchers in UFC history – managed to put Gastelum’s lights out. His ability to absorb punishment has become almost mythical in MMA circles.
Why The Hand Wraps Matter
For those new to MMA, hand wraps serve multiple purposes for fighters:
| Purpose | Impact on Performance |
|---|---|
| Protection of small bones | Prevents hand injuries |
| Wrist stabilization | Allows for harder punches |
| Compacting the fist | Increases punching power |
Fighting with minimal hand protection is like choosing to play basketball in dress shoes – you’re deliberately handicapping yourself. Yet Pyfer still nearly accomplished what no one else has.
The Story Behind Pyfer’s Hand Situation
So why was Pyfer fighting with compromised hand wraps? According to sources close to his camp, he’s been dealing with hand injuries throughout his training camp but refused to pull out of such a high-profile matchup.
This revelation adds another layer to his gutsy performance. Despite the disadvantage, Pyfer’s power was still evident as he landed several shots that had Gastelum backing up – something rarely seen in Kelvin’s fights.
What This Means for Pyfer’s Future
Despite not getting the finish, this performance might have done more for Pyfer’s stock than a quick knockout would have. He showed:
- Remarkable power even without proper hand support
- The heart to push through adversity
- Technical striking that troubled an established veteran
- The ability to hang with top-15 competition
I’ve been covering this sport for years, and these are exactly the kinds of performances that make UFC matchmakers take notice. Don’t be surprised to see “Bodybagz” matched up with another ranked opponent next time out.
What’s Next for Both Fighters?
For Gastelum, surviving another brutal test cements his reputation as perhaps the most durable fighter in the division’s history. At 32, he’s still young enough for another title run if he can string together a few wins.
As for Pyfer, once his hands heal properly, the ceiling seems incredibly high. At just 27 years old and with devastating power, he remains one of the division’s most intriguing prospects.
One thing’s for certain – I wouldn’t want to be the next man to face a fully healthy Joe Pyfer with properly wrapped hands. That knockout that barely escaped him against Gastelum might come much easier against his next opponent.
The Takeaway from UFC 316
Sometimes in this sport, it’s not just about wins and losses but how fighters perform under pressure. Pyfer’s stock rose despite not getting the finish, while Gastelum once again proved why he’s earned the respect of everyone in the middleweight division.
What did you think of the fight? Would Pyfer have gotten the knockout with properly wrapped hands? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: Vox Media