Joe Pyfer explains why he called out Paul Craig following his stoppage win at Saturday's UFC 303.
LAS VEGAS – Joe Pyfer wants to take a step forward in the UFC middleweight rankings, and while he’s at it, he wants to address a personal matter.
Pyfer (13-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) wants his next career move to be against veteran Paul Craig, as he believes it makes sense sporting wise, and also, he’s got an issue with the Scottish man.
The 27-year-old Pyfer fought Saturday at UFC 303, stopping Marc-Andre Barriault (16-8 MMA, 5-7 UFC) in the first round. After the fight, he called out Craig for a fight this fall. The callout stems from a brief interaction they had in the past.
“He just looked at me weird one time and I don’t even think he remembers, but I hold grudges, so f*ck him,” Pyfer told reporters at the UFC 303 post-fight press conference.
Pyfer is not a fan of Craig and wants to use him to climb the rankings. He’s hoping the UFC grants him his wish.
“I don’t like the dude,” Pyfer said. “That’s the only thing I can say is I don’t really like the guy. There’s something about his f*cking face. It’s also his antics. He gets in your face and be all theatrical, but then he gets touched, and he falls on to the ground like a back princess.
“I think it makes sense, too. Logistically, I think it makes sense. He was No. 14, and then he fought Caio and lost. I don’t know where he’s at, if 15 or just outside the rankings, and I’m No. 19, so let’s line it up. That’s what I’m interested in, so why not?”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 303.
