“There are so many things I can point to that helped me evolve and get to the UFC,” he said. “But if I had to name a couple, it was just gaining experience making the walk and continuing to be a student of the game.”
That process continues as he prepares for his first start of 2021 against Nassourdine Imavov. Again, the world is on the Hawes bandwagon, but he’s not letting it get to his head or make him look too far into the future. The goal is simple – one fight at a time.
“It looks like me knocking out Nassourdine and moving on to the next step in my career,” said Hawes when asked what the upcoming year holds for him.
So though it may have taken a little longer than expected, Hawes is here now, and that’s all that matters to him.
“I truly believe without the downs I wouldn’t be the complete and resilient fighter I am today,” he said. “So I would have to agree – yes, I appreciate this experience a lot more and I’m grateful.”
Make sure to watch Hawes and Imavov at UFC Fight Island 7, Saturday, January 16, live on ABC and ESPN+ at 3pm ET/12pm PT.
