Phil Davis
Phil Davis | “Mr.Wonderful”
Ht: 6’2 – Wt: 205 – Age: 28
Born: Pennsylvania, USA
Fights out of: San Diego, CA, USA
Team: Alliance MMA
Overall Record: 10-1
UFC Record: 6-1
Background:
Phil Davis is a rising contender in the UFC light heavyweight division. Davis was one of the most accomplished collegiate wrestlers ever to step foot in the octagon. Davis wrestled at Penn State University where he earned All-American honors 4 times. Davis made a quick transition to mixed martial arts in 2008, dominating the regional scene on way to a 4-0 record. Davis signed with the UFC in 2010 and made his successful debut against Brian Stann at UFC 109. Davis relied heavily on his wrestling and submission skills to run through his early competition, defeating future contenders Stann and Alexander Gustafsson, in addition to veterans Rodney Wallace and Tim Boetsch. Davis took a step up in competition in 2011 as he faced off against former PRIDE star Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. The fight was close early as Nogueira denied Davis’ early takedown attempts. Davis eventually wore Nogueira down and held on for a close decision victory. Davis was set to compete for the #1 contender spot opposite Rashad Evans at UFC 133, but Davis was injured during training.
2011 Breakdown:
After winning 4 fights in the octagon in 2010, Davis slowed down his pace, only fighting once.
Davis began the year preparing to face wrestlers Matt Hamill and Jason Brilz, but eventually ended up filling in as an injury replacement at UFC Fight Night 24 where he faced off against PRIDE veteran Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.
Davis fired off some effective kicks to start the fight, but eventually went for the takedown. Nogueira was able to stuff his initial attempts and started to land some effective counter punches, including a solid left hand that nearly dropped Davis. Following a fairly even 1st round, Davis was able to score takedowns in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, which ultimately allowed him to seal the victory. Davis did not look to be going for the finish from top position and seemed content to ride out the clock to a decision victory, which had some fans booing.
The win propelled Davis into title contention as he was soon booked to face #1 contender Rashad Evans at UFC 133. Only a few weeks prior to their fight, Davis injured his knee and was forced to pull out of their fight.
2012 Forecast:
Phil Davis carries a lot of weight on his shoulders as one of the few possible threats to current champion Jon Jones’ title reign. Davis’ skills are still developing as he has stated that many times throughout the last year. Davis knows his shortcomings as a striker and has attempted to try and take some time away from the cage in order to better those skills via training. Unfortunately for Davis, it looks as if he will have to develop those skills on the fly as the UFC is rushing him up the ranks. Davis ran into some trouble in his last fight versus Nogueira. Davis’ lack of confidence in his striking was evident throughout the fight. The elite of the 205-pound division consists of some of the best strikers in the world, so Davis will have to grow up quick in order to compete at the title contender level. If Davis can use his striking to setup his takedowns, he could become a true force in the division.
Phil Davis Fight Record
Overall Record: 9-0
2008-2011 Record: 9-0
2011 Record: 1-0
Win | Antonio Rogerio Nogueira | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 03/26/2011
2010 Record: 4-0
Win | Tim Boetsch | Sub | Rd 2 | UFC | 11/20/2010
Win | Rodney Wallace | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 08/07/2010
Win | Alexander Gustafsson | Sub | Rd 1 | UFC | 04/10/2010
Win | Brian Stann | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 02/06/2010
2009 Record: 3-0
Win | David Baggett | Sub | Rd 1 | | 06/27/2009
Win | Terry Cohens | Tko | Rd 1 | | 04/25/2009
Win | Josh Green | Tko | Rd 1 | | 01/22/2009
2008 Record: 1-0
Win | Brett Chism | Dec | Rd 2 | | 10/11/2008
