Surging Dana White’s Contender Series veteran Phil Hawes will look to keep the train rolling in New York.
On Saturday, Hawes (11-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) will compete in his third bout of 2021 when he meets UFC newcomer Chris Curtis (26-8 MMA, 0-0 UFC) in a bout that came together on short notice.
The middleweight fight will take place on the prelims of UFC 268, which takes place at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, Nov. 6, and airs on ESPN+ pay-per-view following prelims on ESPNNews/ESPN+.
Hawes’ original opponent, Deron Winn, withdrew from the contest, which opened the door for the matchup with Curtis.
“I’m expecting that he’s going to be tough, he’s got a lot of fights, he’s a veteran, if not in the UFC, he’s still a veteran,” Hawes told MMA Junkie during media day. “But I know he’s one of the guys here for the fight kit. I’m here to be a world champion. I’m gonna send him on his way, he’s going to have his fight kit, he’s gonna be happy, but I’m coming to get the knockout.”
Hawes also opened up about his mental approach to fighting his opponents, anticipation of fighting at MSG, and more.
Check out the full media day interview with Hawes in the video above.
Loading…
UFC 268’s Phil Hawes: Chris Curtis is here for the fight kit, I’m here to be a world champion