Fighting out of The MMA Lab in Glendale, Arizona, the 24-year-old Phillips has already had a couple opportunities to break into the UFC, but come up short each time.
First, he faced off with James Gray on the opening season of the Contender Series, collecting a first-round stoppage win in 46 seconds. Rather than being offered a contract, Phillips was given a spot on Season 27 of The Ultimate Fighter, where he lost a majority decision to eventual winner Brad Katona in the opening round of the eight-man featherweight competition.
After suffering the first loss of his career to Josh Barnett protégé Victor Henry in his first fight post-TUF, Phillips bounced back with another first-round stoppage win last February to earn a short-notice call-up to the UFC. He was forced out of that bout for undisclosed reasons, but returns this weekend in a matchup against fellow youngster Gabriel Silva.
Phillips is one of those fighters who have been on the radar for some time, having earned praise from coaches and teammates as he worked his way through the amateur ranks and into the early days of the pro career. With finishes in five of his six pro wins and his lone loss coming by split decision against a dangerous, underrated fighter in Henry, it’s easy to see why folks who track prospects have long been high on the promising newcomer.
The bantamweight division has never been as deep and competitive as it is now, so standing out is going to be challenging, but giving his propensity for putting on entertaining fights and proven finishing instincts, don’t be surprised if Phillips forces fans to take notice of him in his UFC debut.
