The upcoming UFC Fight Night on March 29, 2025, in Mexico City features a compelling middleweight bout between former interim title challenger Kelvin Gastelum and rising contender Joe Pyfer. This matchup pits Gastelum’s experience against Pyfer’s momentum, offering an intriguing contest for fight enthusiasts and bettors alike.
Kelvin Gastelum vs Joe Pyfer Preview
Kelvin Gastelum, aged 33, brings a professional record of 20 wins and 9 losses. Standing at 5’9″ with a reach of 71.5 inches, Gastelum has faced elite competition throughout his career. Notably, he secured a unanimous decision victory over Daniel Rodriguez in June 2024, showcasing his wrestling prowess in his most recent bout. However, he has struggled with consistency and weight management in recent years, including a bout with Rodriguez that was contested at middleweight due to weight-cutting issues.
Joe Pyfer, 28, holds a record of 13 wins and 3 losses. At 6’2″ with a 75-inch reach, Pyfer possesses a significant height and reach advantage over Gastelum. Known for his knockout power, Pyfer has won five of his last six fights, establishing himself as a formidable force in the middleweight division despite being unranked. His aggressive style and finishing ability have garnered attention, making this matchup particularly intriguing.
Betting Insights
Current betting odds reflect Pyfer’s recent success and physical advantages. According to various sportsbooks:
- DraftKings: Pyfer -298, Gastelum +240
- FanDuel: Pyfer -330, Gastelum +240
- Sportzino: Pyfer -313, Gastelum +240
These odds suggest that Pyfer is the firm favorite. Bettors considering Gastelum may find value in the underdog odds, given his experience and past performances.
Prop bets offer additional opportunities to wager on this fight, including the following:
- Pyfer by Decision or Technical Decision: +175
- Pyfer by KO, TKO, or DQ: +265
- Gastelum by Decision or Technical Decision: +450
- Gastelum by KO, TKO, or DQ: +600
These props indicate that bookmakers anticipate a higher likelihood of Pyfer winning by decision, while also acknowledging his knockout potential. Gastelum’s paths to victory are considered less probable but offer higher payouts for risk-tolerant bettors.
Kelvin Gastelum vs Joe Pyfer Prediction
Pyfer by Decision (+175) over Gastelum
220K Gold Coins & 10 FREE Sweeps Coins
- Pyfer is on fire, having won five of his last six fights.
- Gastelum has dropped six of his last nine fights.
This bout presents a classic clash between experience and momentum. Gastelum’s tenure in the UFC has seen him battle top-tier opponents, demonstrating resilience and a well-rounded skill set. His wrestling background could serve as a strategic advantage to neutralize Pyfer’s striking.
Conversely, Pyfer’s recent performances highlight his knockout power and physical advantages. His reach and height could pose significant challenges for Gastelum, particularly in striking exchanges. If Pyfer can maintain distance and leverage his striking, he stands a strong chance of securing a victory.
Considering current form, physical attributes, and recent performances, the prediction leans toward Joe Pyfer winning by decision. While Gastelum’s experience and grappling could extend the fight, Pyfer’s reach, power, and momentum make him the likely victor in this middleweight contest.
