What's next for rising UFC star Joe Pyfer

Joe "Bodybagz" Pyfer (12-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) secured yet another finish in his fight Sunday against Abdul Razak Alhassan at UFC Fight Night 229. After piling on the pressure in the first round, Pyfer got the submission two minutes into the second round with an arm-triangle choke that put his opponent to sleep. Alhassan had never been submitted before in a professional fight.

This marks Pyfer's third straight UFC victory and finish after getting signed to the promotion following a win on "Dana White's Contender Series" in 2022. Pyfer has enjoyed a steady rise through the ranks during his early days in the UFC, and now sits 18th in the middleweight rankings.

In his post-fight Octagon interview with Daniel Cormier, Pyfer made it clear he is here to stay.

“I don’t say it disrespectfully," he said. "And the clickbait media that was out there saying that I said that I wasn’t happy with being paid, that’s not true. But if I’m going to fight the baddest guys in the world, I want to be compensated where I can start looking to invest in my future."

Now looking to break into the top 15, there are a few potential fights that could be on the table for Pyfer. Although he has one fight left on his contract, it is likely he will get a new and more lucrative contract from the UFC. While many fighters above him in the rankings already have fights scheduled, there are a few potential matchups that could make for interesting fights.

Gregory Rodrigues: The one and only Robocop. He has been on the giving and receiving end of many knockouts in the middleweight division, but the Brazilian always brings the damage. While he sits just below Pyfer in the rankings, a victory over Rodrigues would prove Pyfer's ability to handle a fighter with a reckless style and serious knockout power.

Anthony Hernandez: Hernandez sits 15th in the division after a TKO of Edmen Shahbazyan and a submission victory of Marc-Andre Barriault. As well rounded as they come, Hernandez could make for a formidable opponent, matching up well against Pyfer's heavy pressure style.

Jack Hermansson: It remains to be seen when Hermansson will come back following his recent injury, but the veteran's wrestling-heavy focus could create problems for Pyfer, who has not fought wrestlers in the UFC of Hermansson's caliber. Although Pyfer would likely be the favorite, the Norwegian would be an appropriate step up for Pyfer in competition.

The future is bright for Pyfer, and as a new prospect in the middleweight division, he has a significant weight on his shoulders. It is yet to be seen who the UFC will pair him against, but fans can expect Pyfer back in the Octagon within a few months. If he continues his rise up the UFC rankings, he will soon be seen as a serious contender for the belt.