Phil Hawes is getting another UFC tryout.
With verbal agreements in place, the promotion is close to finalizing a middleweight bout between Hawes (7-2 MMA) and Khadzhi Bestaev for Dana White’s Contender Series, Season 4, Episode 6 on Sept. 8.
Multiple people with knowledge of the situation informed MMA Junkie of the targeting booking but asked to remain anonymous since the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.
In 2016, Hawes, who was a 3-0 professional at the time, entered the national spotlight on Season 23 of “The Ultimate Fighter.” In the tournament entry round, Hawes lost a unanimous decision to eventual tournament winner Andrew Sanchez.
Despite the losing effort, Hawes was swiftly picked up by WSOF, where he went 1-1. In 2017, Hawes returned after 14 months away from action. He was granted an opportunity on DWCS, Season 1 against Julian Marquez. Hawes lost by second-round head kick.
Since then, Hawes has gone 3-0. In June 2019, Hawes made a triumphant Bellator debut with a first-round stoppage of Michael Wilcox. He then signed with Brave CF, where he won back-to-back fights by stoppage.
Bestaev (10-3 MMA), an American Kickboxing Academy team member, will be moving down to 185 pounds from light heavyweight. At 6-foot-6, Bestaev will present a massive middleweight frame.
Over the span of 13 professional fights, Bestaev has never seen the judges scorecards. He’s largely competed for the Gladiator Challenge promotion since coming to the United States with two stops in LFA along the way.
Bestaev career wins are split with five knockouts and five submissions to his credit.
To stay up to date with all of the DWCS happenings, check out MMA Junkie’s “Dana White’s Contender Series: Your complete guide to Season 4” which will be frequently updated as news comes to light.
Phil Hawes vs. Khadzhi Bestaev in the works for Dana White's Contender Series on Sept. 8
