At UFC 320 in Las Vegas, Joe Pyfer scored his biggest win to date by submitting Abus Magomedov via rear-naked choke in the second round. Pyfer survived an early onslaught and turned up the pressure, dropping Magomedov with a right hand and sealing the finish at 1:44 of the second round. The victory was Pyfer’s third straight since suffering his first UFC defeat in a Fight Night main event earlier in 2024. Pyfer, now 15-3, continues his rapid climb in the middleweight division, showing impressive resilience and finishing ability.

The next logical step for Pyfer is a matchup against Paulo Costa. Costa, a perennial top-10 contender and former title challenger, recently rebounded from a losing streak with a win over Roman Kopylov at UFC 318. Both men bring serious knockout power and aggressive styles, and a bout between Pyfer’s surging momentum and Costa’s established pedigree would provide divisional clarity and fireworks. For Pyfer, a win would rocket him into title contention; for Costa, it would firmly reestablish his status in the top tier at 185 pounds.

Stylistically, this matchup is a can’t-miss middleweight clash. Pyfer’s pressure, heavy hands, and growing submission threat meet Costa’s relentless pace, iron chin, and body attacks. Expect bold exchanges, highlight-reel moments, and a fight that could headline a UFC event or serve as a co-main for a championship card.

Last Five Fights – Joe Pyfer:

1. Win over Abus Magomedov – Submission (rear-naked choke), UFC 320 (October 4, 2025)
2. Win over Kelvin Gastelum – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night (August 2, 2024)
3. Win over Marc-Andre Barriault – KO (punches), UFC Fight Night (May 25, 2024)
4. Loss to Jack Hermansson – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night (February 17, 2024)
5. Win over Gerald Meerschaert – KO (punches), UFC 228 (September 9, 2023)

Last Five Fights – Paulo Costa:

1. Win over Roman Kopylov – Decision (unanimous), UFC 318 (July 19, 2025)
2. Loss to Sean Strickland – Decision (unanimous), UFC 305 (June 1, 2024)
3. Loss to Robert Whittaker – Decision (unanimous), UFC 297 (February 17, 2024)
4. Win over Luke Rockhold – Decision (unanimous), UFC 278 (August 20, 2022)
5. Loss to Marvin Vettori – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night (October 23, 2021)

Pyfer vs. Costa is the perfect next step for two of the middleweight division's most exciting finishers.