The Budding Philadelphia MMA Scene and its Standout Contenders
The city lit up red for October (and early November) — an absolute gem of a season for the most beloved Philadelphia sports team since the 2017 Eagles. Now, this year’s team once again has its sights on the Lombardi trophy. The Sixers are becoming dangerous title contenders for the 5th consecutive season. The Flyers are showing a real fight to them, defying piss-poor expectations. The Union even went to the championship and lost in heartbreaking fashion.
Perhaps it’s because of the Greater Philly Area’s fascination with our core four teams that the budding MMA scene, emerging from one of the greatest fight cities in the world, doesn’t receive the attention it deserves.
So let’s talk about these impressive contenders who are finally starting to receive the recognition they deserve, and who rep their roots loud and proud in seemingly every interview, press event, and trip to the octagon.
Top Row (left to right): Andre Petroski (MW), Sean Brady (WW), Joe “Bodybagz” Pyfer (MW), Jeremiah Wells (WW)
Bottom Row (left to right): Pat Sabatini (FW), Bill “Senor Perfecto” Algeo (FW), Chris Daukaus (HW), Kyle Daukaus (MW)
CERTIFIED SCRAPPERS
These fighters aren’t new to the scene either. Sean Brady and Chris Daukaus have both been ranked in the top 10 in their respective divisions. Andre Petroski, Joe “Bodybagz” Pyfer, and Kyle Daukaus are all making waves climbing the Middleweight rankings. Jeremiah Wells is doing the same in Welterweight with a few spectacular finishes. Pat Sabitini and Bill Algeo round out the group as they continue their impressive careers in the Featherweight division, vying to string together wins en route to a title shot.
They’ve staked their claim and have shown against some of the best in the business that they’re here to stay. Philly is by no means new to the MMA spotlight either. The City is home to UFC greats in Eddie Alvarez, a Lightweight champion who grew up in Kensington and is considered to be one of the 3 best Lightweights of all-time; as well as Paul “The Irish Dragon” Felder who grew up in Delco and was a perennial top 5 contender in both the Lightweight and Welterweight divisions. He’s now one of the sport’s top commentators.
Let’s break down the current contenders one by one.
Joe “Bodybagz” Pyfer
Middleweight (10-2)
Like Wells, Pyfer is on a mission to finish people. At 6’2” he looks about 6’4” and even though I’ve seen his last two fights I actually thought he was a Light Heavyweight before doing my research. The President of the UFC himself, Dana White, has taken a liking to Pyfer, buying him a house when he was on the verge of being homeless and lending him his very own sports car in Vegas. It’s clear White sees the potential and is nurturing one of the company’s young stars.
Sean Brady
Welterweight (15-1)
A top 10 contender (currently 8) who will likely be in the top 5 in the near future, Sean Brady may have the best work ethic in the UFC, and he definitely has the coolest tattoos. He’s an exciting fighter that has the potential to be a champion. Unfortunately, he was just handed his first loss at the hands of top 5 contender, Belal Muhammed, and his response to the loss may prove that he’s even closer to the belt than he was before the fight. He’s now ready to fight to win, rather than fighting not to lose.
Chris Daukaus
Heavyweight (12-6)
The 11th ranked Heavyweight. A striker who looks to keep the fight standing and use his elbows and knees in opportune moments. He tore through the rankings (as you can see in his “Rise” video below). Although he lost to championship contender Curtis Blaydes in his last fight, he’s been ranked as high as 7 and is primed to jump back into the Top 10 if he gets another big win.
With exceptional speed for his size and the power of anyone 6’3” and nearly 250 lbs, there are only a select few heavyweights that can stand with him and those opponents are all top tier contenders, which is exactly what Daukaus is in his own right.
Andre Petroski
Middleweight (9-2)
Petroski is 4-0 in his last 4 fights with 3 finishes. His latest on the biggest stage at Madison Square Garden as a unanimous decision. He’s great on the mic and the ladies don’t mind him either. In the video below, you’ll see him finish a Diaz protege in less than two minutes as the largest underdog on the fight card, then stake his claim as the best wrestler in the Middleweight division. Although wrestling is his forte, Petroski is capable of landing bombs with both hands. What’s probably most impressive is the improvement he’s shown. Early on, cardio was a clear weakness and in a year’s time, it looks like he replaced his engine and has become a completely different fighter in the third round.
Jeremiah Wells
Welterweight (11-2-1)
Dude’s a killer. I mean watch that “Left Hook from Hell” and the celebration afterwards. Jeremiah is a scary contender that I imagine those ranked above him aren’t very excited about facing with his ability to match his opponent in both power and finesse. If the haymakers he throws don’t rattle, his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu just might.
Kyle “The D'Arce Knight” Daukaus
Middleweight (11-4)
An undeterred submission artist, Daukaus uses his length and jiu-jitsu skills to overwhelm opponents. And yes, he’s the brother of the aforementioned Heavyweight, Chris Daukaus.
In his most recent fight, he lost to a strong contender and striker in Erica Anders. I mean Eryk.
Pat Sabatini
Featherweight (17-4)
Submission specialist with a DI Wrestling background, Pat Sabatini has one of the strangest wins the UFC has seen in recent memory with his heel hook vs. toe hold submission to finish Jamall Emmers. He’s a black belt in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Tang Soo Do. An experienced MMA fighter, Sabatini has been active nearly a decade and shows no signs of slowing down and has a strong record to show for it at 17-4.
Bill “Señor Perfecto” Algeo
Featherweight (16-7)
Like Sabatini, Algeo has been active for a while now, a decade to be exact and has a very respectable and impressive 16-7 record with 6 submissions, 4 knockouts, and 4 decisions, showing that he can truly do it all. He made his debut in Dana White’s Contender Series after three defenses of his Ring of Combat belt, one of which was a flying headkick KO. He’s also got one of the coolest nicknames in the game.
P.S. And a happy retirement to Tom’s River’s own, Frankie Edgar. A Lightweight Champion and certified UFC Hall of Famer.
