Rising middleweight contender Joe Pyfer delivered the biggest win of his career with a stunning second-round stoppage of former champion Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC Seattle at the Climate Pledge Arena, MySportDab Reports.
Adesanya (24-6) started brightly, showcasing his trademark striking precision. The former two-time middleweight champion controlled distance with a sharp jab and damaging leg kicks, while also defending Pyfer’s early attempts to clinch and secure takedowns.
Pyfer (16-3) had moments of success, landing a clean right hand and targeting the calf, but largely struggled to impose his physicality in the opening round despite a late takedown.
The fight dramatically shifted in Round 2. While Adesanya continued to land fluid combinations to the head and body, Pyfer began to close the distance more effectively. A powerful uppercut followed by heavy hooks forced Adesanya onto the defensive, setting the stage for a decisive sequence.
A wild exchange proved pivotal. After Adesanya briefly regained momentum with a head kick and crisp punches, Pyfer responded with a crushing left hook that rocked the Nigerian-born star. Sensing the finish, Pyfer surged forward, secured a body lock, and dragged Adesanya to the canvas.
From there, Pyfer dominated on the ground, advancing to mount and unleashing a barrage of elbows and punches. The relentless ground-and-pound forced the referee to step in, sealing a statement victory for the American prospect.
The result marks Adesanya’s fourth consecutive defeat, further complicating his hopes of returning to title contention. His last victory remains his title-winning rematch against Alex Pereira in April 2023, though he insisted post-fight that retirement is not on his mind.
In the co-main event, Alexa Grasso delivered a frightening first-round finish against Maycee Barber, scoring a knockout before securing a rear-naked choke in a dramatic sequence.
Both Pyfer and Grasso earned Performance of the Night bonuses, as the event delivered multiple highlight-reel finishes in Seattle.