UFC reschedules Gastelum vs Pyfer middleweight showdown for UFC 316 in New Jersey

Joe Pyfer and Kelvin Gastelum will finally meet after illness delays original UFC Mexico bout.

Kelvin Gastelum and Joe Pyfer face off during the UFC Fight Night ceremonial weigh-in at CDMX Arena on March 28, 2025, in Mexico City, Mexico. Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The UFC has officially rescheduled the highly anticipated middleweight fight between Kelvin Gastelum and Joe Pyfer. UFC reschedules Gastelum vs Pyfer middleweight showdown for UFC 316 in New Jersey, following the last-minute cancellation of their original meeting in Mexico. The rescheduled bout will now take place on June 7, 2025, at UFC 316, marking the UFC’s return to the East Coast.

The update was first revealed by Joe Pyfer’s head coach, John Marquez, and reported by MMA Fighting on Tuesday. For fans who were disappointed by the abrupt cancellation in March, the new date offers a second chance to witness a matchup between two explosive fighters with much to prove.

Pyfer’s frustration over UFC Mexico illness

Originally scheduled for UFC Mexico on March 29, the middleweight clash was scrapped just hours before the event after Pyfer fell ill. The American fighter later voiced strong frustrations about his experience in Mexico and made it clear that he had no intentions of fighting there again.

“I don’t care if it offends you, I will never go back to that country,” Pyfer said bluntly in an interview. “I did everything right: I slept in a tent, I did all the work and still got sick.” His comments sparked debate across the MMA community, particularly in Latin America, but Pyfer stood by his words.

He claimed that despite the precautions he took, including two months of training in altitude-specific conditions and living in a hypoxic tent, he still suffered from what appeared to be altitude sickness. While some speculated the illness may have been food-related, Pyfer was convinced the issue had more to do with elevation.

“I’m not a geographical scientist,” Pyfer admitted, “but I was told during the adjustment period that I was doing everything right. And if that’s what height and elevation are all about, f*** that. I’m never fighting there again.”

Gastelum responds with professionalism and patience

Kelvin Gastelum, a seasoned veteran of the UFC’s middleweight division, showed professionalism despite the late cancelation. Known for his experience and ability to stay composed under pressure, Gastelum chose not to fan the flames. While he hasn’t publicly responded to Pyfer’s outburst, his camp confirmed he was ready to fight that night.

Gastelum had also endured a grueling training camp leading up to UFC Mexico, with many observers noting his leaner physique and improved conditioning. He will now need to maintain that form for a few more months until June 7, when he gets the opportunity to share the Octagon with Pyfer once again.

UFC 316: A stacked card for the East Coast

The bout is set to be part of UFC 316, which takes place in New Jersey and features an already stacked card. Headlining the event is the return of men’s bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, who is scheduled to face the charismatic and hard-hitting Sean O’Malley. With other big names likely to be added, UFC 316 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting pay-per-view events of the year.

For Pyfer, the move to New Jersey might come as a welcome relief. He’ll be fighting on home soil, under conditions he’s far more comfortable with. After the intense physical and mental stress of the Mexico ordeal, he’ll likely be eager to put on a performance that reinforces his rising status in the UFC middleweight ranks.

Gastelum, on the other hand, will look to assert his veteran edge. A win at UFC 316 could catapult him back into serious title contention, especially in a division currently led by a tight cluster of contenders. Having competed against the likes of Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker in the past, Gastelum understands the stakes and knows what it takes to climb back into the title picture.

Middleweight implications and fan expectations

The UFC rescheduling Gastelum vs Pyfer middleweight showdown for UFC 316 in New Jersey brings not only relief to fans but also reshuffles the division’s narrative. Both fighters are known for their explosive styles — Gastelum with his crisp boxing and wrestling base, Pyfer with his powerful striking and aggressive approach.

It’s a classic case of youth versus experience, hunger versus composure. Pyfer, still in the early stages of his UFC journey, has the momentum of an up-and-comer but now carries the pressure of public expectation following his controversial remarks. Gastelum, on the other hand, has been through wars and is widely respected for his toughness and resilience.

For UFC President Dana White and the matchmakers, this fight is a potential show-stealer. It may not be the main event, but its implications are significant. A definitive win for either man could set the stage for a clash with a top-five opponent later this year.

Health, altitude, and fight prep: lessons learned

Pyfer’s ordeal in Mexico also raises broader questions about athlete preparation and the challenges of fighting in high-altitude environments. While training in hypoxic conditions is common, Pyfer’s experience highlights the unpredictable nature of altitude sickness and how it can derail even the most disciplined athletes.

The UFC has occasionally faced similar issues in other locations like Denver and Mexico City, and Pyfer’s strong reaction may prompt the organization to rethink how it prepares athletes for fights in such regions. For now, though, all eyes are on the East Coast, where both fighters will compete without the complications of extreme elevation.

All eyes on UFC 316

UFC reschedules Gastelum vs Pyfer middleweight showdown for UFC 316 in New Jersey, and fans are eagerly awaiting the clash. With emotions running high and both fighters seeking redemption — Gastelum from a long path of ups and downs, Pyfer from the controversy in Mexico — this matchup has all the ingredients of a dramatic and memorable contest.

The countdown to June 7 has begun. The Octagon will be ready. Now it’s just a matter of which fighter turns frustration and determination into victory. One thing is certain: when Pyfer and Gastelum finally meet, no one will want to miss it.