• Joe Pyfer says he respects Israel Adesanya as a fighter and calls him the middleweight GOAT.
• On The OverDogs Podcast, Joaquin Buckley referenced Adesanya’s connection to the LGBT community.
• Pyfer supports Adesanya’s career but joked he wouldn’t paint his fingernails.
• Adesanya has denied past relationship rumors and spoken about embracing both masculine and feminine sides.

Pyfer reacts after being told about Adesanya

On The OverDogs Podcast, Joaquin Buckley told Joe Pyfer that his upcoming opponent, Israel Adesanya, is “part of the LGBT community.” Pyfer responded by making a distinction between respecting Adesanya as a fighter and disagreeing with certain personal style choices.

Respect for the fighter, disagreement on style

Pyfer—nicknamed “Bodybagz”—said he respects Adesanya’s achievements and called him the GOAT of the middleweight division. “I support it, bro… I have respect for Izzy for what he’s done as a fighter,” Pyfer said on the podcast. At the same time, the 29-year-old added a joking personal note: “I don’t think a man should paint his fingernails.” He clarified he wouldn’t get French tips or color his toes.

Embedded posts:

  • Instagram post with Adesanya-style fashion reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUEVBYnjSkj/?utmsource=igembed&utm_campaign=loading
  • Podcast clip on YouTube (Pyfer comments): https://youtu.be/h-h-uC22m9k?t=5338

Adesanya’s past comments and rumors

Israel Adesanya, known for bold fashion and theatrical ring entrances, has previously addressed rumors about his relationship with manager Tim Simpson and the public perception of his style. Adesanya denied claims of a romantic relationship and said he is comfortable expressing both masculine and feminine sides. On the Impaulsive Podcast he explained: “I’m the kind of guy who is very good with men… I’m in touch with the masculine feminine side of me and that’s like The Duality… I don’t have to act tough. Just Google me. I don’t have anything to prove.”

What’s at stake: UFC Seattle headliner

Adesanya vs. Pyfer is scheduled to headline UFC Seattle on March 28 at Climate Pledge Arena. The bout is shaping up as a high-profile middleweight clash, with Pyfer framing his comments as personal taste while publicly acknowledging Adesanya’s status in the division.

Takeaway

Pyfer’s remarks underline a contrast common in modern sport: athletes can respect rivals’ professional accomplishments while voicing personal opinions about lifestyle or presentation. Both fighters are expected to remain focused on the cage as fight night approaches.

Sources: OverDogs Podcast, Impaulsive Podcast, Instagram post linked above.

Image Referance: https://www.lowkickmma.com/i-dont-think-a-man-should-paint-his-fingernails-but-joe-pyfer-still-supports-israel-adesanyas-lifestyle/