Phil Hawes
Phil Hawes is an American professional mixed martial artist who formerly competed in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).[1] Born on January 8, 1989, in Little Ferry, New Jersey, Hawes stands at 6 feet tall with a 77-inch reach and fights in an orthodox stance.[2][3] His professional MMA record stands at 12 wins and 6 losses, with eight victories by knockout or technical knockout, two by submission, and two by decision; all six of his defeats have come via knockout or TKO.[2][3] Prior to his MMA career, Hawes excelled as a collegiate wrestler, capturing the 2009 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) championship at 197 pounds while competing for Iowa Central Community College.[4] He later transferred to Iowa State University for the 2010-11 season, where he recorded multiple tournament victories, before finishing his college career at Wartburg College in 2011-13 with a 9-4 record and two pins.[5][4] Hawes turned professional in MMA in 2014 and earned his UFC contract after winning on Dana White's Contender Series in 2017, following an unsuccessful tryout for The Ultimate Fighter season 23.[6] Hawes made his UFC debut in January 2020 on UFC Fight Island, securing a first-round submission victory over Khama Worthy in just 18 seconds. He followed with knockout wins over Jacob Malkoun and Nassourdine Imavov, and a unanimous decision win over Kyle Daukaus, establishing himself as a powerful striker with seven first-round finishes in his career.[7][8] However, Hawes was released from the UFC in February 2024 after a three-fight losing skid since his last win in June 2022, consisting of first-round knockout losses to Roman Dolidze, Ikram Aliskerov, and Brunno Ferreira.[9][3] In August 2025, Hawes competed in a custom rules bout at Dirty Boxing Championship 3, losing by unanimous decision to Sergei Martynov.[10] Known by his nickname "No Hype," Hawes trains with Kill Cliff FC and remains a notable figure for his wrestling pedigree and finishing ability in the 185-pound division.[3][7]Background
Early life
Phil Hawes was born on January 8, 1989, in Little Ferry, New Jersey.[11] He spent his childhood in the New Jersey area, including nearby North Bergen, growing up in a close-knit family environment.[12] Hawes' mother, Kim Jones, played a supportive role in his early years, though specific influences on his athletic path are not widely documented.[13] His family background emphasized resilience, with Hawes later reflecting on personal challenges that shaped his determination, but details from his formative period remain limited in public records. During his youth, Hawes developed an early interest in sports, participating in football during high school where he weighed around 240 pounds and enjoyed weightlifting.[14] He was drawn to wrestling from a young age, finding motivation in its physical demands and competitive nature, which sparked his passion for combat-related activities. This initial enthusiasm led him to pursue more structured wrestling involvement as he progressed through his teenage years.[12]Wrestling and amateur career
Hawes began his wrestling career at Ridgefield Park High School in New Jersey, where he earned recognition as an All-Bergen County wrestler.[13] He continued his development at Iowa Central Community College, capturing the NJCAA National Championship at 197 pounds in 2009 after not starting as the team's top wrestler earlier in the season.[15] In the finals, Hawes defeated Parker Brand of Rochester Community and Technical College by major decision, 15-6.[16] This victory contributed to Iowa Central's fourth consecutive team title. Following his junior college success, Hawes transferred to Iowa State University for the 2010-11 season, competing in the heavyweight division and securing multiple wins, including two at the Hokie Open against Robert Prigmore of Chattanooga and Travis Porter of Gardner-Webb, as well as a victory over Jacob Henderson of Old Dominion at the Cyclone Open.[5] He later moved to Wartburg College for the 2011–13 seasons, where he compiled a 9–4 record with two pins, and participated in competitions such as the U.S. Olympic Trials Qualifier.[4] Transitioning to mixed martial arts, Hawes amassed an undefeated 4-0 amateur record before turning professional.[17] One notable bout was his final amateur fight on March 23, 2013, at Iowa Challenge 81, where he submitted Tim Steppelton via punches in the first round at 0:54.[3] During this period, he trained at Jackson Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, under coach Harry St. Leger, who emphasized Hawes' well-rounded skill set rooted in his wrestling background.[13]Mixed martial arts career
Early professional career
Hawes transitioned to professional mixed martial arts in 2014, following a successful amateur wrestling and MMA background that provided a strong foundation for his pro success. His debut occurred on February 21, 2014, at Legacy Fighting Championship 28 in Houston, Texas, where he faced Brian Cheatham and secured a technical knockout victory via punches at 0:55 of the second round.[3] This win highlighted his early ability to pressure opponents with aggressive striking.[18] Hawes continued his undefeated streak with two more victories later that year on the Global Knockout regional circuit. On June 14, 2014, at Global Knockout: The Return in Kansas City, Missouri, he defeated Anthony Pinckard by TKO (punches) at 0:25 of the second round, showcasing improved finishing power in stand-up exchanges.[3] Four months later, on October 18, 2014, at Global Knockout 2 in the same city, Hawes submitted Brandon Collins via armbar at 3:06 of the first round, demonstrating his wrestling roots in transitioning to the ground for control and finishes.[3][18] Through these regional bouts, Hawes compiled a 3-0 professional record by the end of 2014, with a fighting style that blended his collegiate wrestling pedigree—emphasizing takedowns and submissions—with developing knockout striking, as evidenced by two TKO wins via punches.[19] This period marked the initial emergence of his aggressive, finish-oriented approach, rooted in training at Jackson Wink MMA.[20]The Ultimate Fighter
Hawes was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter Season 23 in 2016, coached by Joanna Jędrzejczyk. He lost to Andrew Sanchez by unanimous decision in the opening elimination fight and did not advance to the house.[21]World Series of Fighting
Following his appearance on The Ultimate Fighter, Phil Hawes signed with the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) in 2016 as a promising middleweight prospect. Hawes made his promotional debut at WSOF 31 on June 17, 2016, against Joshua Key in Mashantucket, Connecticut. In the bout, Hawes quickly took Key down, advanced to mount position, and unleashed a barrage of ground-and-pound strikes, primarily right elbows, that overwhelmed his opponent and forced a referee stoppage at 3:22 of the first round for a TKO victory. This performance highlighted Hawes' explosive wrestling transitions and finishing power in close-range striking exchanges.[22] Just six weeks later, Hawes returned on short notice at WSOF 32 against veteran Louis Taylor on July 30, 2016, in Everett, Washington. The fight saw Hawes struggle against Taylor's grappling experience; after a competitive first round, Taylor secured a guillotine choke in the second round at 2:15, submitting Hawes and handing him his first professional loss. Taylor, a former Strikeforce and Bellator competitor with a 12-3 record entering the bout, proved a significant step up in opposition.[23][3] Hawes' tenure in WSOF lasted only two fights due to the rapid scheduling and the defeat to the more seasoned Taylor, which stalled his momentum in the promotion and prompted his departure after the loss.[24]Dana White's Contender Series
Hawes made his first appearance on Dana White's Contender Series on August 1, 2017, during Week 4 of the inaugural season, facing Julian Marquez in a middleweight bout.[25] Entering with a 5-1 professional record, Hawes utilized his wrestling background to secure an early takedown, achieving dominant ground control and landing ground-and-pound strikes midway through the first round.[26] However, fatigue appeared to impact his pace in the second round, allowing Marquez to reverse position and deliver a knockout head kick at 2:20, resulting in Hawes' first professional loss and no UFC contract offer.[26] Following the setback, after a nearly two-year layoff, Hawes secured three consecutive finishes in Bellator MMA and Brave CF that rebuilt his confidence and honed his skills.[27] For his return to the Contender Series on September 8, 2020, during Week 6 of Season 4, he emphasized strategic adjustments, including enhanced standup techniques such as leg kicks and improved overall striking to complement his wrestling base, aiming to avoid prolonged standup exchanges against grappler Khadzhimurat Bestaev.[28] Hawes executed effectively, dropping Bestaev with a left hand early and finishing with ground strikes for a TKO victory at 1:18 of the first round.[29] UFC President Dana White praised Hawes' evolution, noting, "Phil Hawes has come back a brand-new man. This guy came in the first time with wrestling. This time, he had leg kicks, standup—the whole package," before awarding him a UFC contract on the spot.[28] This performance marked a redemptive milestone, highlighting Hawes' growth from a wrestling-heavy prospect to a more versatile fighter.[29]Bellator MMA
Following his unanimous decision loss to Julian Marquez on Dana White's Contender Series in August 2017, which prevented him from earning a UFC contract, Phil Hawes signed a one-fight deal with Bellator MMA after a nearly two-year hiatus from professional MMA.[30] Hawes made his Bellator debut on the preliminary card of Bellator 222 against Michael Wilcox on June 14, 2019, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.[31] In the opening round, Wilcox attempted an early single-leg takedown, but Hawes defended and countered with a left hook that dropped his opponent. Hawes followed with ground strikes and transitioned to mount and side control, using his Division I wrestling background to maintain dominance. He later landed a right hook to drop Wilcox again before regaining mount and delivering short strikes, accumulating damage that led to a doctor stoppage at the 5:00 mark due to a hematoma over Wilcox's left eye, earning Hawes a first-round TKO victory.[32] The bout marked Hawes' only appearance in Bellator, as he described it post-fight as a "one-off" while expressing hope for future opportunities with the promotion, though he ultimately pursued other paths after the win.Brave Combat Federation
Phil Hawes debuted with Brave Combat Federation (Brave CF) on November 23, 2019, at Brave CF 30 in Hyderabad, India, where he secured a first-round submission victory over Dominik Schober via rear-naked choke at 3:45.[3] This performance highlighted Hawes' grappling prowess, as he controlled the fight from the outset before forcing the tapout.[33] Hawes followed up with another impressive win on January 19, 2020, at Brave CF 34 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, defeating Yuri Fraga by TKO (punches) in the second round.[3] In this bout, Hawes overwhelmed Fraga with ground-and-pound strikes after securing a dominant position, demonstrating his finishing ability against a durable opponent.[34] These back-to-back victories marked Hawes' entry into international competition, as he traveled to India and Slovenia for Brave CF's global events, adapting to diverse environments and the promotion's adherence to unified MMA rules.[35] Building on his prior Bellator success, the wins elevated Hawes' standing in the middleweight division, drawing attention from scouts and positioning him as a rising prospect on the world stage.[36]Ultimate Fighting Championship
Phil Hawes entered the Ultimate Fighting Championship after securing a contract with a first-round knockout victory on Dana White's Contender Series on September 8, 2020.[1] He made his Octagon debut on October 24, 2020, at UFC 254 against undefeated prospect Jacob Malkoun, overwhelming him with strikes for a knockout win just 18 seconds into the first round.[3] This explosive start showcased Hawes' wrestling base and knockout power, setting high expectations for the middleweight contender trained at Kill Cliff FC in Deerfield Beach, Florida.[7] Hawes built on his debut with back-to-back decision victories in 2021. On February 20, at UFC Fight Night 185, he outworked Nassourdine Imavov over three rounds to claim a majority decision in a closely contested striking battle.[3] He followed this with a unanimous decision win over Kyle Daukaus on May 8 at UFC on ESPN 24, using his grappling to control the fight and neutralize Daukaus' power punching.[3] However, his three-fight win streak ended abruptly on November 6, 2021, at UFC 268, when Chris Curtis landed a devastating first-round knockout punch, exposing vulnerabilities in Hawes' stand-up defense.[3] After a period of inactivity, Hawes returned on June 18, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 37, where he delivered a dominant second-round TKO over Deron Winn via ground-and-pound elbows, earning Performance of the Night honors for his versatile finishing sequence.[37] This victory highlighted his improved finishing ability, but subsequent bouts revealed durability concerns, as he suffered first-round knockouts to Roman Dolidze on October 29, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 213; Ikram Aliskerov on May 6, 2023, at UFC 288; and Brunno Ferreira on January 13, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 234.[3] These losses, all via strikes in under five minutes, contributed to Hawes' overall 4-4 UFC record and his release from the promotion on February 6, 2024.[38] Throughout his UFC tenure, Hawes drew attention for his chiseled physique, which he attributed to disciplined training and nutrition while competing at 185 pounds. In a May 2023 GQ feature, he boldly claimed to be the "most jacked guy in the UFC," emphasizing his focus on functional strength over excessive weightlifting.[14] Despite early promise as a well-rounded prospect with wrestling credentials, Hawes' career in the promotion was ultimately defined by a mix of highlight-reel finishes and quick defeats that underscored challenges with his striking resilience.[1]Post-UFC career
Following his release from the Ultimate Fighting Championship in February 2024, Phil Hawes sought new opportunities in the regional MMA landscape. On December 11, 2024, Hawes signed with the Global Fight League (GFL), a team-based promotion that announced a roster of over 50 fighters, including several former UFC veterans.[39][40] In January 2025, he was drafted to Team New York during the league's inaugural draft.[41] Hawes was scheduled to make his GFL debut against Grant Neal in a middleweight bout at GFL 2 on May 25, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. However, the event—and the promotion's entire 2025 schedule—was canceled in April 2025 amid financial difficulties and operational chaos, including unpaid fighter commitments, leading to the league's effective shutdown for the year.[42][43] The collapse left Hawes without a fight and highlighted the instability of emerging promotions, prompting him to pivot to alternative combat formats. In June 2025, Hawes debuted in the Dirty Boxing Championship (DBC), a hybrid ruleset promotion co-founded by former UFC fighter Mike Perry that emphasizes close-range striking with elbows and limited ground fighting using five-ounce gloves. At DBC 2 on June 14, 2025, in Miami, Florida, Hawes faced Sasha Palatnikov but lost by disqualification in the first round due to repeated eye pokes. The controversial stoppage drew boos from the crowd and post-fight backlash from Palatnikov toward fans.[44][45][46] Hawes returned at DBC 3 on August 29, 2025, again in Miami, where he lost to Sergei Martynov by unanimous decision (29-28 on all cards) after three rounds of competitive stand-up exchanges. These back-to-back defeats in DBC, a promotion still establishing itself under Perry's vision, have compounded Hawes' challenges following his UFC exit and the GFL fallout, raising questions about his trajectory in a crowded middleweight division.[47][10]Other combat sports
Muay Thai
Phil Hawes has limited professional experience in Muay Thai, maintaining an undefeated record of 1-0 from his sole documented bout early in his combat sports career. On April 22, 2018, at the MAX Muay Thai Stadium in Thailand, Hawes defeated Reza Goodary by unanimous decision, showcasing effective clinch work bolstered by his wrestling background.[48] This victory, achieved through superior control and striking volume without a knockout, highlighted his adaptation to the art's demands during a period focused on stand-up development following a 2017 MMA setback.[30] Hawes' immersion in Muay Thai began in earnest after that DWCS loss, as he relocated to Thailand for intensive training to refine his striking deficiencies. Spending months at renowned facilities like Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, he honed techniques such as elbows, knees, and clinch exchanges, which directly enhanced his MMA stand-up game upon his return.[30] This period, spanning 2018 and later revisited in 2023 ahead of UFC 288, allowed Hawes to integrate Muay Thai's emphasis on distance management and eight-limb striking, evident in subsequent MMA performances where he increased his knockout rate and striking accuracy.[49] His wrestling foundation proved particularly complementary in the clinch, enabling seamless transitions between grappling and Muay Thai knees during fights.[14]Submission grappling
Hawes progressed to brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a milestone that marked a deepened commitment to submission grappling alongside his established wrestling foundation. His training regimen has long incorporated dedicated jiu-jitsu sessions, typically following wrestling practice, allowing him to refine ground techniques that enhance positional control and transition seamlessly with his takedown proficiency in MMA contexts.[1] This focus on jiu-jitsu has become particularly prominent in his post-UFC endeavors, where he has pursued competitive opportunities to sharpen his no-gi and gi skills independently of striking-based disciplines. In December 2023, Hawes captured the gold medal at the IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship in the brown belt master 2 male super-heavyweight division, defeating opponents including Hussein Hazime Raad in the finals.[50] Representing Unity Jiu-Jitsu, his victories showcased effective guard passing and submission attempts, underscoring his technical growth in high-level competition. This title win highlighted his ability to apply jiu-jitsu principles under tournament rules, emphasizing endurance and strategic grappling over pure athleticism. Hawes continued his competitive grappling pursuits into 2025, challenging for the inaugural Cage Fury BJJ cruiserweight championship on July 25 at CFFC BJJ 14 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Facing Luke Fernandez, a fellow MMA veteran, Hawes was submitted via anaconda choke in the first round at 6:41, with Fernandez claiming the vacant title.[51] Despite the loss, the bout demonstrated Hawes' willingness to test his evolving submission game against specialized grapplers in a ruleset prioritizing ground control and finishes. Post-UFC, these efforts reflect his broader versatility across combat sports, maintaining sharpness through pure grappling outlets.Championships and accomplishments
Wrestling and amateur achievements
Phil Hawes began his wrestling career in high school at Ridgefield Park High School in New Jersey, where he earned All-Bergen County honors as a standout competitor.[13] Hawes continued his success at the collegiate level with the Iowa Central Community College Tritons, competing in the 197-pound weight class. In 2009, he captured the NJCAA National Championship title, defeating his opponent by major decision in the final despite entering the tournament unranked; this victory also earned him first-team All-America recognition.[13][19] Prior to turning professional, Hawes compiled an undefeated 4-0 amateur MMA record, with victories including a submission win over Tim Steppelton in 2013.[11][3] Hawes' wrestling background drew early attention from MMA scouts, who viewed him as a "toolsy" prospect with significant potential due to his national junior college title and athletic foundation.[19][52]Professional fighting accomplishments
Phil Hawes earned the UFC Performance of the Night award for his second-round TKO victory over Deron Winn at UFC on ESPN 37 on June 18, 2022, where he overwhelmed his opponent with a barrage of strikes including punches, knees, and elbows.[53][54] Hawes was released from the UFC following his January 2024 loss and signed with the Global Fight League in December 2024.[41] In the realm of submission grappling, Hawes captured the 2023 IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship in the brown belt Master male featherweight division, defeating opponents in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals en route to the title.[55][56][57][50] During his early professional career with promotions like Brave Combat Federation, Hawes secured back-to-back victories, submitting Dominic Schober in the first round at Brave CF 30 in November 2019 and finishing Yuri Fraga via TKO at Brave CF 34 in January 2020, contributing to his momentum toward the UFC.[3] Hawes maintained a six-fight undefeated streak from late 2019 through mid-2021 across regional bouts and initial UFC appearances, showcasing his striking power with multiple knockouts during this period.[3] Overall, eight of his thirteen professional MMA victories have come by knockout or TKO, highlighting his finishing ability built on a strong wrestling foundation.[11][3]Fight records
Professional MMA record
Phil Hawes has a professional MMA record of 12 wins and 8 losses as of November 2025.[3][11] Of these, he secured 8 victories by knockout or technical knockout, 2 by submission, and 2 by decision; his defeats comprise 5 by knockout or technical knockout, 1 by submission, 1 by decision, and 1 by disqualification.[3][11] As of November 2025, Hawes is on a five-fight losing streak.[11]| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round | Time | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29, 2025 | Sergey Martynov | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | DBX 3: Rozenstruik vs. Cleveland | Dirty Boxing Championship |
| Jun 14, 2025 | Sasha Palatnikov | Loss | DQ (Eye Pokés) | 1 | N/A | DBX 2: Rozenstruik vs. Cardoso | Dirty Boxing Championship |
| Jan 13, 2024 | Brunno Ferreira | Loss | KO (Punches) | 1 | 4:55 | UFC Fight Night 234: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2 | |
| May 06, 2023 | Ikram Aliskerov | Loss | KO (Punches) | 1 | 2:10 | UFC 288: Sterling vs. Cejudo | |
| Oct 29, 2022 | Roman Dolidze | Loss | KO (Punches) | 1 | 4:09 | UFC Fight Night 213: Kattar vs. Allen | |
| Jun 18, 2022 | Deron Winn | Win | TKO (Elbows) | 2 | 4:25 | UFC on ESPN 37: Kattar vs. Emmett | |
| Nov 06, 2021 | Chris Curtis | Loss | KO (Punches) | 1 | 4:27 | UFC 268: Usman vs. Covington 2 | |
| May 08, 2021 | Kyle Daukaus | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC on ESPN 24: Rodriguez vs. Waterson | |
| Feb 20, 2021 | Nassourdine Imavov | Win | Decision (Majority) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC Fight Night 185: Blaydes vs. Lewis | |
| Oct 24, 2020 | Jacob Malkoun | Win | KO (Punches) | 1 | 0:18 | UFC 254: Khabib vs. Gaethje | |
| Sep 08, 2020 | Khadzhimurat Bestaev | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 1:18 | Dana White's Contender Series 2020: Week 6 | |
| Jan 19, 2020 | Yuri Fraga | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 4:42 | Brave CF 34 | |
| Nov 23, 2019 | Dominic Schober | Win | Submission (RNC) | 1 | 3:45 | Brave CF 30 | |
| Jun 14, 2019 | Michael Wilcox | Win | TKO (Doctor Stoppage) | 1 | 5:00 | Bellator 222: MacDonald vs. Gracie | |
| Aug 01, 2017 | Julian Marquez | Loss | KO (Head Kick) | 2 | 2:20 | Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series 1 | |
| Jul 30, 2016 | Louis Taylor | Loss | Submission (Guillotine) | 2 | 2:15 | WSOF 32: Moraes vs. Hill 2 | |
| Jun 17, 2016 | Joshua Key | Win | TKO (Elbows) | 1 | 2:52 | WSOF 31: Ivanov vs. Copeland | |
| Oct 18, 2014 | Brandon Collins | Win | Submission (Armbar) | 1 | 3:06 | Global Knockout 2 | Regional promotion |
| Jun 14, 2014 | Anthony Pinckard | Win | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 0:25 | Global Knockout: The Return | Regional promotion |
| Feb 21, 2014 | Brian Cheatham | Win | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 0:55 | Legacy FC 28 | Regional promotion |
Muay Thai record
Phil Hawes maintains a professional Muay Thai record of 1–0–0 (1 decision win).[58]| Result | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | Reza Goodary | Decision (unanimous) | MAX Muay Thai - Ultimate Fight | April 22, 2018 | 3 | 3:00 | Pattaya, Thailand | Early career bout |
Submission grappling record
Phil Hawes competed in professional submission grappling events as a complement to his MMA training, achieving a record of 1-1. In December 2023, Hawes captured the gold medal in the brown belt Master 2 male featherweight (149 lb) division at the IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship, defeating multiple opponents en route to the final victory over Hussein Hazime Raad.[50][57][59] On July 25, 2025, Hawes challenged for the vacant Cage Fury BJJ cruiserweight title against Luke Fernandez at Cage Fury BJJ 14 but was defeated by submission via D'arce choke at 6:41 of the first round.[60][61]| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Event | Weight Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 8, 2023 | Hussein Hazime Raad | Win | Points decision | IBJJF World No-Gi Championship | Brown/Master 2/Feather (149 lb) |
| Jul 25, 2025 | Luke Fernandez | Loss | Submission (D'arce choke) | Cage Fury BJJ 14 | Cruiserweight |