Phil Hawes

Phil Hawes (born January 8, 1989) is an American mixed martial artist who last competed in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Hawes started out as a standout wrestler, winning a national 197 lb junior-college wrestling title at Iowa Central Community College, then moving onto Division I Iowa State, where he graduated with a degree in sociology.

After compiling a 4-0 amateur record, Hawes made his professional debut in 2014.

After going 3–0 on the regional scene, Hawes was invited as one of the 16 Light Heavyweight fighters invited to the cast The Ultimate Fighter 23.

He lost his entry fight against Andrew Sanchez via unanimous decision.

Hawes signed with World Series of Fighting, debuting at WSOF 31 against Joshua Kay.

He won the bout via TKO in the first round.

Hawes would then face future PFL champion Louis Taylor, on short notice as a replacement for Shamil Gamzatov, at WSOF 32.

He lost the bout via guillotine submission in round 2.

Hawes participated in Dana White's Contender Series 4 on the 1st August 2017 against Julian Marquez.

He lost the fight by knockout after getting hit with a head kick in the second round.

After his loss to Marquez, Hawes took two years off and moved to Thailand to train Muay Thai and competed in competitions there.

On April 22, 2018, in the MAX Muay Thai Stadium, he won by decision (unanimous), Reza Goodary an Iranian fighter.

Hawes faced Michael Wilcox on June 14, 2019 at Bellator 222.

He won the bout via doctor stoppage after the first round when Wilcox was ruled unable to continue.

Signing with Brave Combat Federation, scoring a first-round submission over Dominik Schober at Brave CF 30, in India, and a TKO victory over Yuri Fraga less than two months later, at Brave CF 34, in Slovenia.

After picking up three straight wins in Bellator and Brave, Hawes was invited once more to earn a UFC contract on Dana White's Contender Series 32 on September 8, 2020 against Khadzhimurat Bestaev.

He won the bout and the contract via TKO in the first round.

Hawes made his UFC debut at UFC 254 on October 24, 2020 against Jacob Malkoun.

He finished the fight in the first exchange, knocking Malkoun unconscious in 18 seconds.

Hawes faced Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Lewis on February 20, 2021.

Hawes survived a late storm by Imavov to win the bout via majority decision.

Hawes faced Kyle Daukaus on May 8, 2021 at UFC on ESPN: Rodriguez vs. Waterson.

He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Hawes was scheduled to face Deron Winn at UFC on ESPN 26 on July 17, 2021.

However, Winn was forced to pull out from the event, citing separated rib and torn cartilage, and the bout was rescheduled at UFC Fight Night 194 on October 9, 2021.

In turn, Winn withdrew the day before the event due to health issues.

He was briefly expected to be replaced by Chris Curtis, however Hawes declined the bout and it was ultimately scrapped.

Hawes faced Chris Curtis on November 6, 2021 at UFC 268.

He lost the fight by KO in the first round.

Hawes was scheduled to face Sam Alvey, replacing Ian Heinisch, on February 5, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 200.

However, Hawes withdrew from the bout due to an undisclosed injury and he was replaced by Brendan Allen.

Hawes faced Deron Winn on June 18, 2022 at UFC on ESPN 37.

After dominating the first round with his striking, Hawes won the fight via technical knockout in round two.

This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.

Hawes faced Roman Dolidze on October 29, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 213.

He lost the fight via knockout in round one.

Hawes faced promotional newcomer Ikram Aliskerov on May 6, 2023 at UFC 288.

He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.

Hawes faced Brunno Ferreira on January 13, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 234.