LAS VEGAS – Phil Hawes beat Nassourdine Imavov with a majority decision Saturday on the main card at UFC Fight Night 185 in Las Vegas.
Take a look inside the fight with Hawes, who ran his winning streak to six after a loss on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2017.
Phil Hawes vs. Nassourdine Imavov
Result: Phil Hawes def. Nassourdine Imavov via majority decision (28-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Updated records: Hawes (10-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Imavov (9-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Key stat: Hawes was outstruck by Imavov, but landed four takedowns.
Hawes on the fight’s key moment
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 20: (L-R) Phil Hawes punches Nassourdine Imavov of Russia in a middleweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on February 20, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
“I feel great. This fight means a lot more than 18-second knockouts. This one I had to dig deep. This is going to help so much with my experience. I’m glad it turned out this way against a tough opponent like Nassourdine. He came ready. He was hitting me with tons of elbows. He got me a little dazed on my feet in the third round, but I just came through it.
“I knew Nassourdine was going to be tough. I was hoping to knock him out. I did a ton of strength and conditioning. I just wanted to let him know I’m here and not going anywhere.”
Hawes on going the distance
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 20: (R-L) Nassourdine Imavov of Russia punches Phil Hawes in a middleweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on February 20, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
“I felt alive. You see at the end of the fight, I’m running around in circles because I was happy. I had never went three rounds. It was a new experience in my career. I’m blessed the UFC gave me the opportunity to show I’m the best in the world.”
Hawes on what he wants next
“I approach this game like I’m the champ already. Getting a number means nothing to me, I want my belt.
“I showed some heart out there. I know people were wondering if I can go three rounds. I answered some questions out there. I’m just going to keep answering questions until they put the right people in front of me. I want to get back in the octagon as soon as possible.”
To hear more from Hawes, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
Article source: https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/phil-hawes-likes-decision-win-more-than-18-second-knockout-ufc-fight-night-185-video
