The upcoming UFC Fight Night 236 features an exciting middleweight main event where Jack Hermansson takes on the rising star Joe Pyfer. This fight brings together two fighters at different stages of their careers, each with distinct skills and the victor will look to absorb the star power from their opponent.
Jack Hermansson Defeats Joe Pyfer Over 25-Minutes
Jack Hermansson comes into this fight with a record of 23-8, having faced a mix of results in recent years. Known for his grappling and striking, Hermansson has demonstrated his skills against top contenders, including solid victories over Kelvin Gastelum, Edmen Shahbazyan, and Chris Curtis. However, losses against high-calibre opponents like Marvin Vettori, Sean Strickland, and Roman Dolidze have shown vulnerabilities in his game. With a striking accuracy of 44% and landing around 5.13 significant strikes per minute, Hermansson’s balanced approach allows him to compete both on the feet and on the ground. His takedown accuracy stands at 29%, with an average of 1.66 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Joe Pyfer
Joe Pyfer holds a record of 12-2, and is on a rising trajectory, having built momentum with four knockouts in recent outings and a notable submission win over Abdul Razak Alhassan. Pyfer’s striking and grappling have been impressive, showcasing a striking accuracy of 45% and landing approximately 3.64 significant strikes per minute. His takedown game is even more formidable, with an 83% takedown accuracy and averaging 2.97 takedowns every 15 minutes. He is very big for the weight class also, with most thinking that he could compete well at light heavyweight. This mix of striking and grappling makes Pyfer a dangerous opponent for anyone in the middleweight division.
The fight presents a fascinating stylistic clash. Hermansson, with his experience and well-rounded skill set, will look to leverage his striking and grappling to control the fight. On the other hand, Pyfer’s power and aggressive grappling pose significant threats to any opponent. Pyfer’s recent form and kno
ckout power gives him a slight edge. However, Hermansson’s experience and unorthodox style make him a viable underdog, capable of securing a win through decision or submission.
What Unfolded
In the first, Joe Pyfer’s pre-fight confidence translates to the Octagon, taking the centre of the cage and landing combinations at will. Hermansson is yet to get going.
After not liking what was coming forward from Pyfer in the first, Hermansson shot for a takedown in the second, but it was quickly stuffed. He seemed to have dealt with the various attacks coming forward much better than the first. The experienced veteran in Hermansson picks up on Pyfer, slightly slowing down, and starts to walk forward himself and put the newcomer against the fence, but unable to land anything significant. It’s a good response after a tough first round for the Swede-Norweigan, but he still finds himself 2-0 down.
Into the third, Hermansson is really beginning to find his groove and find the target that is Pyfer’s face. After the first half of the round was partially one-sided, Pyfer managed to fight his way back into the round, but Hermannson had him in deep waters for the first time in his career.
Hermansson comes out flying again with strong leg kicks, furthering the damage to Pyfer’s legs. The vet’s approach is very slick and intelligent, whereas Pyfer is going headhunting looking for haymakers. Pyfer finds success when marching forward, but when Hermansson pushes the pace, Pyfer looks extremely uncomfortable fighting on the back foot.
Fifth and final round and Hermannson comes out swinging with Pyfer returning fire. Hermannsson is in full control of the final round after pushing Pyfer against the fence, and then taking him to the mat to grind out the remainder of the fight.
Official result: Jack Hermannson def. Joe Pyfer by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
