Phil Hawes meets Deron Winn at UFC Fight Night on July 17
Phil Hawes already knew what was next before making the walk against Kyle Daukaus at UFC on ESPN 24.
Prior to defeating Daukaus by unanimous decision Saturday, Hawes (11-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) was double booked to face Deron Winn (7-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) at UFC Fight Night on July 17. Pending the results of his medical suspension, it will be right back to work for Hawes, who will take on standout wrestler Winn in two months.
A person with knowledge of the matchup informed MMA Junkie of the booking Sunday but asked to remain anonymous since the promotion has yet to make an announcement. Hawes first mentioned the matchup in an interview with Pub Sports Radio.
“I’ve got Deron on the schedule – I think I’ve got him in July, booked or whatever,” Hawes told Pub Sports Radio prior to fighting Daukaus. “But the opportunity came, the UFC hit me up and they came and asked me do I want to fight Kyle Daukaus, and I said yeah. I always want a chance to prove that I’m the best in the world and showcase my skills, but it’s a testament to show that the UFC believes in me because they double booked me. A lot of people aren’t doing that. I can’t name anyone really in the UFC roster that’s got two fights scheduled, contracted.”
Winn was quick to comment on his next fight after Hawes picked up a win over Daukaus”
“Disrespectfully double booked is what I’ll call it. I hope this dude is medically cleared and back in the gym on Monday! He’s not gonna be able to rely off his wrestling to win this fight. I’ll be more prepared and sound than I’ve ever been! July 17th is about to be a certified banger!”
In his most recent outing in December, Winn snapped a two-fight skid with a unanimous decision win over Antonio Arroyo. Dana White’s Contender Series graduate Hawes will look to remain unbeaten in the octagon when he competes for the third time this year.