Jack Hermansson Hits The Brakes On The Joe Pyfer Hype Train (For Now)

I think the common thought/narrative going into the Joe Pyfer vs Jack Hermansson main event tonight was that Pyfer would probably score an early knockout with his Ngannou-like power, but if he didn't - the longer the fight went, the more it would favor Hermansson. This was Pyfer's first main event (and second five round fight of his career) against the best and most experienced opponent he'd ever faced, and a big proving ground for him/test to see where he's at. Unfortunately for him, though - he didn't get the knockout early, and the longer the fight went, the more it DID favor Hermansson

Pyfer landed some hard shots through the first two rounds, as expected, but never landed the big one, and as soon as the third round started - Hermansson took over. He cut Pyfer down with calf kicks to the lead leg, implemented a jab perfectly, and backed Joe into the cage for the majority of the 3rd/4th/5th rounds. Pyfer's corner tried to fire him up before the final round by bringing up his scumbag father (who contacted him for the first time in years to talk shit after his last loss) but Hermansson was able to score a takedown and control him through end of the fight, which makes that a little bit awkward on the car ride home I'm sure. They were trying everything, though - it was like watching the corners in a ROCKY movie. You gotta appreciate that.

It was a pretty entertaining fight, overall - and even though I'm a big fan of Pyfer, I think Jack Hermansson's a good guy too, so I'm happy for him. We're about to go LIVE to break down the whole card, so tune in and hop in the Rumble chat to join the show....

This ain't the end of Joe Pyfer as a promising prospect, either - just a small snag in the road. He'll be back.