Phil Hawes exploded onto the scene in just 18 seconds at UFC 254, running through fellow debuting fighter Jacob Malkoun.
A battle of prospects landed on the main card of UFC 254 with Jacob Malkoun taking on Phil Hawes. Three stoppages to start his professional career in 2014 made Hawes a top commodity and earned him a spot on The Ultimate Fighter. He ended up losing in his lone fight against eventual winner Andrew Sanchez, then lost two of his next three. Hawes got back on track in a big way, winning four straight fights with stoppages to make it to the UFC through the Contender Series.
Malkoun is a highly-touted training partner of former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and was making his Octagon debut with a 4-0 record. Malkoun is well-rounded, with an undefeated professional boxing record and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Malkoun was moving quickly along the fence, then was stung with a right hand by Phil Hawes. Malkoun lost his footing and Hawes stuck with him, landing a left hand and a right that made Malkoun faceplant. Hawes followed him with a hammerfist and that was all that was needed. A phenomenal debut for Hawes.
This year has been a great one for up-and-comers to make names for themselves quickly, with Khamzat Chimaev, Tanner Boser, and Brandon Royval being the primary examples. Hawes wants to add himself to that list, calling for a fight when the Octagon returns to Vegas, which happens to be next week.
Phil Hawes def. Jacob Malkoun by TKO (Punches) in Round 1 (0:18)
