Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer Rebooked for UFC 316 in Newark

The highly anticipated clash between Kelvin Gastelum and Joe Pyfer has officially been rebooked for UFC 316, set to take place on June 14 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The announcement was confirmed by Pyfer’s head coach during an appearance on MMA on SiriusXM, reigniting excitement for a matchup that promises fireworks in the middleweight division.

Middleweight Showdown Back on the Books

Originally scheduled for UFC Mexico this year, the bout was postponed due to Pyfer coming down with an illness, leaving fans eager to see these two dynamic fighters square off. With both competitors now ready to go, UFC 316 will feature a pivotal contest that could reshape the middleweight rankings.

Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer is being rebooked for #UFC316 in Newark, N.J., per multiple sources

Pyfer’s head coach first announced the news on @MMAonSiriusXM today #UFC https://t.co/eAg5bJBmA7

— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) April 7, 2025

Gastelum, a veteran of the sport and former interim title challenger, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Known for his durability and well-rounded skill set, he has faced some of the division’s toughest names, including Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker. Despite a mixed record in recent years, Gastelum has shown flashes of brilliance, most notably with his unanimous decision win over Daniel Rodriguez in June 2024.

Pyfer, on the other hand, represents the new wave of middleweight contenders. Nicknamed “Bodybagz” for his devastating knockout power, Pyfer has quickly made a name for himself since joining the UFC in 2022. With nine wins by knockout and three by submission, he’s proven to be a dangerous finisher capable of ending fights in spectacular fashion. His most recent victory, a first-round knockout over Marc-André Barriault at UFC 303, solidified his status as a rising star in the division.

Haven’t seen much talk about Pyfer putting Barriault OUT COLD last night…. 😳

What are your thoughts / what’s next for Joe Pyfer? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/91xiqUpcJ6

— SpectrumMMA (@SpectrumMMA) June 30, 2024

A Clash of Styles: Veteran vs. Rising Star

The matchup between Gastelum and Pyfer is a classic showdown of experience versus youth. Gastelum’s gritty boxing and wrestling background will be put to the test against Pyfer’s explosive striking and aggressive approach. Gastelum’s ability to absorb punishment and push forward could be key against a fighter like Pyfer, who thrives on overwhelming opponents early with power shots.

Pyfer’s striking accuracy (41%) and knack for finishing fights quickly, seven first-round stoppages, make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the division. However, Gastelum’s resilience and ability to adapt mid-fight could pose significant challenges for Pyfer if the bout extends into later rounds.

Both fighters have something to prove, Gastelum aims to show he’s still a top contender capable of making another run at the title, while Pyfer looks to cement his place among the division’s elite with a win over an established name like Gastelum.

What’s at Stake at UFC 316?

For Kelvin Gastelum, this fight is about reclaiming his position as one of the middleweight division’s top fighters. A win over Pyfer would not only halt the momentum of a rising prospect but also reaffirm Gastelum’s ability to compete against younger talent in an evolving weight class.

For Joe Pyfer, this is an opportunity to make a statement against one of the division’s most seasoned veterans. A victory would propel him into serious title contention and solidify his reputation as one of the most dangerous finishers in MMA today.

With stakes high for both fighters and contrasting styles that promise an action-packed affair, UFC 316 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting cards of the summer. Fans will be eagerly awaiting June 14 as Gastelum and Pyfer prepare to leave it all inside the Octagon in Newark.