Former interim title challenger Kelvin Gastelum returns to Mexico to face emerging middleweight juggernaut Joe Pyfer in the main event of UFC Mexico City this weekend. For Gastelum, the contest is about establishing that he still belongs among the division’s elite, whereas Pyfer hopes to establish himself as a real contender with his biggest win to date. Despite his veteran status, Gastelum revealed during UFC Mexico media day that he was “bothered” by the fight and expected a more prominent opponent instead.

His recent struggles, particularly the UFC Saudi Arabia weight debacle that enraged Dana White, have left him in a difficult situation. Now, he must fight his way back up the rankings, beginning with the fearsome Pyfer. Given the stakes for both fighters, how do they compare in terms of height, reach, and size? Let’s break it down and find out who might win the fight based on the stats comparison.

Gastelum vs. Pyfer height and reach comparison

Kelvin Gastelum has always been considered tiny for a middleweight, but it hasn’t prevented him from facing some of the division’s greatest fighters. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall with a 71-inch reach, the 33-year-old overcomes his size disadvantages through speed, boxing, and durability. His small frame allows him to close the distance fast and unleash powerful combinations, but against taller opponents, he frequently has to work harder to reach within their range.

Pyfer measures 6 feet 2 inches tall with a 75-inch reach, giving him a huge advantage in both height and arm length. On paper, that is a nightmare for Gastelum. A five-inch height difference means Gastelum will have to work harder to get inside, while Pyfer’s four-inch reach advantage will make every exchange a test of timing and movement. If ‘Bodybagz’ establishes his jab early and makes good use of his length, he may be able to hold Gastelum at bay, forcing the veteran into a frustrating game of chase.

But one thing Kelvin Gastelum has proven is that size does not intimidate him. He’s faced up against giants before, and his ability to slip inside and land clean strikes is what makes him deadly. It’s unclear whether that will be enough to overcome Joe Pyfer’s reach, but the physical matchup is clearly stacked against him.

Who weighs more, Kelvin Gastelum or Joe Pyfer?

On the scale, both fighters weigh 185 pounds, but the numbers on fight night will tell a different story. Despite his small build, Gastelum weighs approximately 205 pounds while not in camp. It’s why he’s spent years toying with a return to welterweight, despite a history of weight-loss issues that has put him at 185 pounds. Despite noting the brutality of the cut, he has not ruled out repeating it.

Joe Pyfer, on the other hand, is undoubtedly the bigger man. His walk-around weight is between 210 and 220 pounds, so he’ll most likely enter the cage bigger and stronger than Gastelum after rehydrating. That might create difficulty for the former title challenger, especially if ‘Bodybagz’ attempts to use his physical advantage in clinch or wrestling situations.

However, Gastelum’s speed, durability, and experience have propelled him through bouts against much larger opponents. Against Pyfer, he’ll have to rely on those same qualities because he’ll be giving up a lot physically.  As UFC Mexico City approaches, the question remains: can the 33-year-old defy the odds one more time and show the world why he was once a title contender? Or, will Pyfer’s stature, reach, and power be too much for the veteran to handle? In any case, this fight has the potential to be a defining moment for both men. So, what do you think? Who will win the fight? Let us know in the comments.