UFC Seattle video: Joe Pyfer knocks out Israel Adesanya in second round

Joe Pyfer scored the biggest victory of his MMA career with a second-round TKO victory over former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC Seattle, which went down Saturday night at the Climate Pledge Arena. Pyfer had all the momentum going into the octagon on a three-fight win streak against Adesanya, who attempted to rebound from a three-fight skid, and they engaged in a stand-up battle for as long as Pyfer managed to the the bout to the canvas and finish “The Last Stylebender”. Adesanya found success with his takedown defense in the opening round, connecting a head kick and jumping knee that connected to Pyfer’s neck.

Pyfer fired back with a combo of punches to Adesanya’s head, but the ex-champion continued to chop Pyfer’s leg with calf kicks. Pyfer finally got a takedown with seconds left in the work in the first round, but the path became clearer for him. Adesanya started round two attacking the body with three kicks and Pyfer complained being poked in the eye.

Action resumed and Pyfer connected a right hand before clinching, which Adesanya denying another takedown. Pyfer and Adesanya exchanged wildly on the feet, hurting each other multiple times before Pyfer took him down and secured the mount and back take. Adesanya did his best to survive with two minutes left on the clock, but Pyfer changed plans and went with the ground and pound attacks instead of submission attempts to hurt Adesanya and force referee Hetb Dean save him.

Watch the stoppage below. JOE PYFER STOPS ISRAEL ADESANYA IN THE 2ND ROUND!!! 📺 @paramountplus pic.