Joe Pyfer has faced an uphill battle with medical challenges throughout his MMA career, each testing his resolve and threatening to derail his rise to the UFC middleweight division. The 29-year-old’s next fight is set for October 4, 2025, at UFC 320 against Abus Magomedov at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where he hopes to earn a key victory and climb into the top ten rankings at 185 pounds.
But beyond the wins and losses, Joe Pyfer’s journey has been defined by injuries and surgeries that have shaped both his body and psyche. From a catastrophic elbow injury to back surgeries and even a personal hair transplant, Pyfer’s story of recovery is as compelling as his performances inside the Octagon.
The elbow injury that changed his game
Joe Pyfer’s severe setback came from a horrific elbow dislocation during his fight with Dustin Stoltzfus at Dana White Contender Series. This was more than just a dislocation; it involved fractures to adjacent bones and complete ligament tears. Doctors initially told ‘Bodybagz’ that he would never punch again, putting his UFC career in serious risk. Despite the bleak prognosis, he underwent multiple surgeries and began an intense fifteen-month rehabilitation process.
His recovery was marked by uncertainty and depression. “It wasn’t from just the loss. It was the injury, plus the loss, plus the opportunity lost. What’s a worse way to be injured than to be injured trying to get into the UFC?” Pyfer explained, reflecting on how the injury tested his mental and emotional strength.
His wrestling coach and close-knit team were instrumental in his return. With Henry, Harmon, and his original coach and mentor, Sam Oropeza, by his side, the 29-year-old found a group of people who understood him, believed in him, and wanted to help him make his shattered dreams come true.
Coach John Marquez emphasized Joe Pyfer’s bond with his support team, stating, “They said he was never gonna fight again, but he came to us and said, ‘They’re saying I will never fight again, but I’m gonna fight again; I’m gonna be something. Once he felt loved and believed in, the connection was immediate.” Even after returning to the cage, Pyfer’s fighting style has shown some rust and hesitation as he rebuilds confidence in his arm.
‘Bodybagz’ gets some luscious hair
Apart from the elbow injury, Joe Pyfer also had a hair transplant, which was unrelated to fighting but reflected his emphasis on personal confidence and image management. He traveled to Istanbul, Turkey, for the treatment, revealing his initial reservations about the trip, recovery, and the whole process.
“So if you don’t know, I recently went out to Istanbul, Turkey
and got my hair done. Was very hesitant—one for travel, the recovery, and the experience! @now. Hairtime made sure their best efforts went to making it as easy and painless as possible!” Pyfer shared on Instagram. The treatment was ultimately successful in providing him a rejuvenated hairline and a boost of confidence, proving that his commitment to personal well-being extends beyond the Octagon.
Joe Pyfer’s lesser-known back surgery
Joe Pyfer’s back issues have also been a significant chapter in his medical history. ‘Bodybagz’ underwent multiple back procedures over a year to treat a herniated disc that caused nerve pain and reduced leg sensation. The 29-year-old underwent disc surgery in early 2025, requiring meticulous recovery that hampered his training and forced him to withdraw from fights, including the UFC Mexico City in March 2025.
Despite the challenges, Pyfer emphasized his resilience and dedication. “I got two surgeries after my last fight on my back. So my biggest flaw is that I get in my own way with injuries, and that sucks, but I’ll say I think I’m the healthiest I’ve been since I’ve been fighting,” he said. He also revealed the details of his recent procedure, revealing that the disc caused him to lose feeling in his legs, have constant nerve pain, and left him unable to sleep, train, or do anything without suffering!