The upcoming middleweight clash between Kelvin Gastelum and Joe Pyfer is set for UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs. O'Malley 2 on June 7, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, United States. This fight pits a seasoned veteran against a rising knockout artist, promising an explosive encounter in the middleweight division.
Kelvin Gastelum
Kelvin Gastelum, an American fighter, is a former Ultimate Fighter 17 winner known for his versatility and durability. With a professional record of 19 wins, 9 losses, and 1 no contest, Gastelum has competed in both welterweight and middleweight divisions, showcasing a well-rounded skill set. His aggressive striking, combined with solid wrestling and submission skills, has earned him notable victories over fighters like Michael Bisping and Ronaldo Souza. Gastelum’s most recent fight was a unanimous decision win over Daniel Rodriguez at UFC on ABC in June 2024, proving he remains a formidable contender despite recent setbacks.
Gastelum’s experience and ability to mix striking with grappling make him a tough matchup, though his inconsistency against top-tier opponents could be a factor in this bout. His resilience and fight IQ will be key against a dangerous finisher like Pyfer.
Kelvin Gastelum – Last 5 Fights:
1. Win vs. Daniel Rodriguez – Unanimous Decision (UFC on ABC, June 22, 2024)
2. Loss vs. Sean Brady – Submission (Kimura) (UFC on ESPN, December 2, 2023)
3. Win vs. Chris Curtis – Unanimous Decision (UFC 287, April 8, 2023)
4. Loss vs. Jared Cannonier – Unanimous Decision (UFC on ESPN, August 21, 2021)
5. Loss vs. Robert Whittaker – Unanimous Decision (UFC on ESPN, April 17, 2021)
Joe Pyfer
Joe Pyfer, an American prospect, is a rising star in the UFC middleweight division known for his devastating knockout power. With a professional record of 13 wins and 3 losses, Pyfer has 9 knockouts and 3 submissions, showcasing his ability to end fights quickly. His most recent performance was a first-round knockout of Marc-André Barriault at UFC 303 in June 2024, earning him Performance of the Night honors. Pyfer’s aggressive striking and improving grappling make him a dangerous opponent, though his loss to Jack Hermansson in February 2024 exposed vulnerabilities in his defensive wrestling and cardio over longer fights.
Pyfer’s power and finishing instincts make him a threat, but his relative inexperience against elite competition could be tested by Gastelum’s veteran savvy.
Joe Pyfer – Last 5 Fights:
1. Win vs. Marc-André Barriault – KO (Punches) (UFC 303, June 29, 2024)
2. Loss vs. Jack Hermansson – Unanimous Decision (UFC Fight Night, February 10, 2024)
3. Win vs. Abdul Razak Alhassan – Technical Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) (UFC Fight Night, October 7, 2023)
4. Win vs. Gerald Meerschaert – TKO (Punches) (UFC 287, April 8, 2023)
5. Win vs. Alen Amedovski – TKO (Punches) (UFC Fight Night, September 17, 2022)
Prediction:
This middleweight bout is a classic matchup of experience versus explosive power. Kelvin Gastelum’s well-rounded game, blending striking, wrestling, and submissions, will be tested against Joe Pyfer’s knockout-heavy approach and improving grappling. Gastelum’s durability and ability to weather early storms give him an edge in longer fights, while Pyfer’s one-punch knockout power makes him dangerous in the opening rounds. If Pyfer can land a clean shot early, he could end the fight quickly. However, Gastelum’s veteran instincts and ability to mix up his attacks are likely to frustrate Pyfer, potentially leading to a grappling-heavy approach that wears the younger fighter down.
Prediction:
Kelvin Gastelum def. Joe Pyfer via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in Round 3.
