Adesanya vs Pyfer: Can ‘The Last Stylebender’ Break Silva’s UFC Knockdown Record?
Israel Adesanya is on the cusp of another UFC record as he prepares to return to the Octagon this Saturday.
The former UFC middleweight champion will face Joe Pyfer in the main event of UFC Seattle, marking his first fight in over a year. Adesanya is looking to snap a three-fight losing streak and re-establish himself as a dominant force in the 185-pound division.
Beyond the immediate stakes of the fight itself, Adesanya has a statistical milestone within reach. He currently shares the record for most knockdowns in the middleweight division with Anderson Silva, both boasting 13. A single knockdown of Pyfer on Saturday will see Adesanya surpass the legendary Silva and claim the record for himself.
The path to this potential record has been a complex one. Although Adesanya has consistently been a top contender since his UFC debut, his recent performances have been a departure from the form that initially propelled him to championship glory. He hasn’t scored a knockdown in his last three fights, and has been knocked down twice himself during that stretch.
Yet, Adesanya’s peak striking prowess is well-documented. He previously set the record for the most knockdowns in a UFC title fight during his memorable clash with Kelvin Gastelum in 2019 – a fight widely considered a modern classic. Over 53% of his total knockdowns have reach in just two fights: against Gastelum and Derek Brunson, whom he finished with a first-round knockout.
Adesanya’s potential for record-breaking doesn’t stop at knockdowns. He is similarly within striking distance of surpassing Sean Strickland for the longest average fight time in the middleweight division, currently trailing by just 42 seconds. This suggests Adesanya’s fights tend to go the distance, a testament to his strategic approach and durability.
Looking at the current middleweight landscape, only Gregory Rodrigues, with 7 knockdowns, poses a significant threat to Adesanya’s potential reign atop the division’s striking statistics. This highlights Adesanya’s consistent ability to land impactful strikes throughout his career.
This Saturday’s main event will be the 15th time Adesanya has headlined a UFC event, placing him among an elite group of fighters – Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Randy Couture, and Tito Ortiz – who have achieved this feat. Adesanya has acknowledged the possibility that he may not have many fights left in his career, adding another layer of intrigue to his return against Pyfer.
The fight against Joe Pyfer presents a unique challenge. Adesanya believes Pyfer will likely attempt an early takedown, a common tactic for opponents facing his striking prowess. Adesanya, however, is confident in his stand-up game, asserting a clear advantage in that realm.
Whether Adesanya can break the knockdown record, extend his average fight time, and secure a victory over Pyfer remains to be seen. However, his return to the Octagon is undoubtedly a significant moment, not only for his own career but also for the history of the UFC’s middleweight division.