THE MATURATION OF JOE PYFER

As athletes progress in their careers, we focus almost exclusively on the development of their craft; the way they refine their skills, hone their weapons, and become more seasoned and savvier on the field of choice.

But one of the key elements that impacts that on-field development most is how they develop as a human being outside of their profession, and Joe Pyfer, who is poised to make the walk to the Octagon this weekend to face Israel Adesanya, is a far cry from the guy who first hit the UFC a couple of years ago.

When my colleague Zac Pacleb and I sat down with Pyfer in Philadelphia at the start of last month, the first question I asked him was “What do most people get wrong about you…