Joe Pyfer was Joe Pyfer once again when he took on knockout artist Abdul Razak Alhassan in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 80 and submitted him in the second round.
This was the biggest fight of Pyfer’s young MMA career, with his first co-main event slot coming in only his third UFC fight after knockout out veteran gatekeeper Gerald Meerschaert in his second. However it was a tough test to try and get past the heavy hands of Alhassan, who has won all twelve of his professional fights by knockout, including six in the UFC across two weight classes.
Joe Pyfer shot a takedown from the opening bell but Alhassan stood back up. Abdul was stuck in a standing arm-triangle but was able to free himself and get to striking range. The two fighters traded power punches and kicks until Joe shot another takedown. Alhassan defended with a guillotine and could not finish it but used it to get back to his feet. The pace slowed somewhat after that.
A big right hand from Pyfer froze Abdul momentarily against the fence with two minutes left and Joe upped the pace, thinking he had a hurt opponent in front of him. However Abdul hung in there and recovered, even though he ate a body kick. Pyfer had one more good swarm before the bell but Alhassan was still standing at the horn, albeit down on the scorecards.
The second round started with Pyfer still being the aggressor, moving forward and initiating most exchanges. Alhassan had a good leg kick early that backed Joe up though, changing the flow until Pyfer came back with punches and a takedown a minute later. He slammed Alhassan to the mat and settled in top half guard. Pyfer also had an arm-triangle locked up and was able to pass the guard while holding onto that. Alhassan seemed to try to tap but did it with a closed fist, confusing the referee long enough for him to go unconscious.
Joe Pyfer improved to 3-0 with three finishes in the UFC and became the first man to ever submit Abdul Razak Alhassan. In his post-fight interview he called for a new contract and upon leaving the octagon he shared a moment with Tom Brady, who was in attendance in the UFC Apex.
Official Result: Joe Pyfer def. Abdul Razak Alhassan by Submission (arm-triangle choke) Round 2, 2:05
