Phil Davis (fighter)

Phil Davis
Born Phil Kwabina Davis
(1984-09-25) September 25, 1984
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States
Other names Mr. Wonderful
Nationality American
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight 205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb)
Division Light Heavyweight (205 lb)
Reach 79.0 in (201 cm)[1]
Style Boxing, Wrestling, BJJ, Muay Thai, Kickboxing,
Stance Orthodox
Fighting out of Chula Vista, California, United States
Team Alliance MMA
Wrestling NCAA Division I Wrestling
Years active 2008–present (MMA)
Mixed martial arts record
Total 21
Wins 17
By knockout 3
By submission 5
By decision 9
Losses 3
By decision 3
No contests 1
Other information
University Penn State University
Notable school(s) Harrisburg High School
Website http://www.philmrwonderful.com/
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
last updated on: August 5, 2013

Phil Kwabina Davis [2] (born September 25, 1984) is an American mixed martial artist who currently competes as a Light Heavyweight for Bellator MMA. Davis is the current Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion.

Background

Davis was born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with his two older brothers, Jeffery and John. He began wrestling when he was in the eighth grade and then attended Harrisburg High School where he was a four-year team captain and letterman, with a 112-17 career record. Davis also lettered in tennis and cross-country running. He then went on to wrestle for the Penn State Nittany Lions wrestling team, finishing in 5th place nationally in the 197 lb weight class as a junior in 2007 [3] and then winning the (197 lbs) NCAA title in 2008. He finished with an overall wrestling record of 116–15 while at Penn State and was a four-time NCAA Division I All-American.[4] After graduating from Penn State, he began training with the newly formed LionHeart MMA team, coached by Jeff Rockwell (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), TJ Turner (boxing), Mark Miller, (kickboxing and Muay Thai), Matt Kocher (wrestling/S&C) and Ryan Gruhn (Muay Thai) in State College, Pennsylvania.[5]

Mixed Martial Arts career

Davis' primary training partners were Paul Bradley, Lou Armezzani and Jimy Hettes. He also trained with many visiting fighters such as Dave Herman, Shanon Slack, Dominick Cruz, Jon Jones and Cain Velasquez. When the LionHeart team disbanded in 2009, Davis moved to San Diego, California to continue his training with Alliance MMA. Davis earned his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Lloyd Irvin in 2009. In 2009 he won the No Gi Grappling World Jiu-Jitsu Championship as a blue belt in the 221 lbs, Super Heavyweight division.[6] Davis began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2008, compiling a record of 4–0 in regional promotions across the United States.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Davis signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship in December 2009.[7]

First contender run

Davis made his UFC debut against Brian Stann on February 6, 2010 at UFC 109,[8] winning by unanimous decision. He then faced fellow undefeated prospect, Swedish Alexander Gustafsson on April 10, 2010 at UFC 112.[9] Davis defeated Gustafsson via submission (anaconda choke) in the first round, giving Gustafsson his first loss.

Davis next faced Rodney Wallace on August 7, 2010 at UFC 117, replacing the injured Stanislav Nedkov.[10][11] Davis controlled the bout with his wrestling and won by unanimous decision. Davis fought Tim Boetsch on November 20, 2010 at UFC 123.[12] He won by a one-handed modified kimura submission later dubbed the "Mr. Wonderful." He was awarded $80,000 for Submission of the Night and received the Submission of the Year award from MMANews247.com.[13]

Davis was expected to face Matt Hamill in Toronto at UFC 129.[14] However, Hamill was tapped as a replacement for Thiago Silva against Rampage Jackson at UFC 130. Davis was offered a fight against Jason Brilz,[15] but then he replaced the injured Tito Ortiz on 6 weeks' notice against Antônio Rogério Nogueira in his first UFC main event on March 26, 2011 at UFC Fight Night 24.[16] Davis defeated Nogueira by unanimous decision.

When UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones pulled out of a long-awaited title fight for Rashad Evans, Phil Davis agreed to fight Evans on August 6, 2011 at UFC 133,[17] but on July 12, Davis pulled out of the event with a knee injury and was replaced by Tito Ortiz.[18] Davis was announced to face Lyoto Machida on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140, however, shortly after, it was revealed that Davis was still recovering from a knee injury and the fight did not occur.[19]

Davis faced former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans in a Number 1 contender fight on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2.[20] Despite Davis' substantial wrestling credentials, Evans dominated him on the canvas, coasting to a unanimous decision.

Second contender run

Davis was expected to face Chad Griggs on August 4, 2012 at UFC on FOX 4.[21] However, Griggs was forced out of the bout with an injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer Wagner Prado.[22] The fight was ruled "No Contest" after an accidental eye poke at 1:28 of round 1 rendered Prado unable to continue. A rematch with Prado, briefly linked to UFC on FX 5, took place on October 13, 2012 at UFC 153.[23] Davis won the rematch with a second round anaconda choke submission.

Davis was expected to face Forrest Griffin on December 29, 2012 at UFC 155.[24] However, in early December, Griffin pulled out of the bout, citing a knee injury.[25] Davis faced Vinny Magalhães in a wrestler vs. BJJ specialist fight on April 27, 2013 at UFC 159.[26] He won the fight by unanimous decision.

On August 3, 2013 at UFC 163, Davis won a controversial unanimous decision against former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida.[27] Davis' only significant advantage was ground and pound following take-downs in the last minute of rounds one and two. While ESPN scored the fight for Davis,[28] 13 selected UFC affiliate media outlets scored the fight in favor of Machida.[29] An SP Nation fanpost stated, "Some MMA commentators and bloggers scored the fight 30-27 for Lyoto Machida."[30] UFC president Dana White tweeted shortly after the fight that he had Machida winning all three rounds,[31] and later told Yahoo! Sports "Machida definitely won", "MMA judging sucks", and his oft-repeated advice: "Never leave it in the hands of the judges."[32] Machida left the light heavyweight division and went on to fight for the UFC Middleweight Championship.

With an official win over the highly ranked Machida, Davis looked to move into title contention against Anthony "Rumble" Johnson who returned to the UFC[33] riding a six-fight win streak at light heavyweight (including one heavyweight fight) outside the promotion, following his disastrous and much-criticised previous UFC run at welterweight. Despite Davis being a considerable betting favorite, on April 26, 2014 in the co-main event at UFC 172, Johnson shut down Davis' wrestling game and kept the fight standing, where his pronounced edge in the striking won him all three rounds in a unanimous decision.

Leading up to the UFC 172 event, Davis actively baited UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones on a media promotion conference call.[34] Later, he disparaged Jones' achievements against undersized competition, claiming "against actual light heavyweights, he's been so-so". He predicted that he would soon claim the title, while explicitly dismissing the challenge of his own booked opponent Anthony Johnson.[35] Jones, who defended the UFC Light Heavyweight title against Glover Teixeira at the same event, took pleasure in mocking Davis' loss at the post-fight press conference,[36] and later on-line.[37]

Final UFC fights

After UFC 172, Davis faced Glover Teixeira who was coming of a loss to UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones on the same card. The fight took place October 25, 2014 at UFC 179.[38] He utilized his wrestling advantage and won the fight by unanimous decision.[39]

Having just one fight left of his UFC contract, Davis faced Ryan Bader on January 24, 2015 at UFC on Fox 14.[40] He lost the fight by a close split decision. He did not resign with the UFC.

Bellator MMA

Following his final fight in the UFC, Davis parted from the organization and signed with Bellator MMA on April 15, 2015.[41]

Road to the title

Davis made his debut as a participant in Bellator's one-night Light Heavyweight tournament at Bellator MMA & Glory: Dynamite 1 on September 19, 2015.[42] He faced Emanuel Newton in the opening round[43] and won by submission due to a kimura.[44] He was scheduled to face Muhammed Lawal in the final.[45] However, Lawal was unable to advance to the finals due to a rib injury and was replaced by alternate Francis Carmont.[46] Davis won the bout via knockout in the first round.[47][48]

By winning the tournament, Davis was set up to face Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Liam McGeary at a yet-to-be-determined event.[49] However, on February 19, 2016 it was announced that Davis next opponent would be Muhammed Lawal in a no 1 contender fight on May 14, 2016 at Bellator 154.[50] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[51]

Davis faced Liam McGeary for the Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship in the main event at Bellator 163 on November 4, 2016.[52] He won the bout via unanimous decision to become the new Bellator Light Heavyweight champion.

Championships and achievements

Collegiate wrestling

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 17–3 (1) Liam McGeary Decision (unanimous) Bellator 163 November 4, 2016 5 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Won the Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship
Win 16–3 (1) Muhammed Lawal Decision (unanimous) Bellator 154 May 14, 2016 3 5:00 San Jose, California, United States Bellator Light Heavyweight title eliminator.
Win 15–3 (1) Francis Carmont KO (punches) Bellator 142: Dynamite 1 September 19, 2015 1 2:15 San Jose, California, United States Won Bellator Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Championship.
Win 14–3 (1) Emanuel Newton Submission (kimura) Bellator 142: Dynamite 1 September 19, 2015 1 4:39 San Jose, California, United States Bellator Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Semifinal.
Loss 13–3 (1) Ryan Bader Decision (split) UFC on Fox: Gustafsson vs. Johnson January 24, 2015 3 5:00 Stockholm, Sweden
Win 13–2 (1) Glover Teixeira Decision (unanimous) UFC 179 October 25, 2014 3 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Loss 12–2 (1) Anthony Johnson Decision (unanimous) UFC 172 April 26, 2014 3 5:00 Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Win 12–1 (1) Lyoto Machida Decision (unanimous) UFC 163 August 3, 2013 3 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 11–1 (1) Vinny Magalhães Decision (unanimous) UFC 159 April 27, 2013 3 5:00 Newark, New Jersey, United States
Win 10–1 (1) Wagner Prado Submission (anaconda choke) UFC 153 October 13, 2012 2 4:29 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
NC 9–1 (1) Wagner Prado NC (accidental eye poke) UFC on Fox: Shogun vs. Vera August 4, 2012 1 1:28 Los Angeles, California, United States Eye poke from Davis rendered Prado unable to continue.
Loss 9–1 Rashad Evans Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis January 28, 2012 5 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States UFC Light Heavyweight title eliminator.
Win 9–0 Antônio Rogério Nogueira Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Davis March 26, 2011 3 5:00 Seattle, Washington, United States
Win 8–0 Tim Boetsch Submission (modified kimura) UFC 123 November 20, 2010 2 2:55 Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States Submission of the Night.
Win 7–0 Rodney Wallace Decision (unanimous) UFC 117 August 7, 2010 3 5:00 Oakland, California, United States
Win 6–0 Alexander Gustafsson Submission (anaconda choke) UFC 112 April 10, 2010 1 4:55 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Win 5–0 Brian Stann Decision (unanimous) UFC 109 February 6, 2010 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 4–0 David Baggett Submission (rear-naked choke) Ultimate Cage FC 1 June 27, 2009 1 3:37 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 3–0 Terry Cohens TKO (punches) Ultimate Warrior Challenge 6 April 25, 2009 1 4:29 Fairfax, Virginia, United States
Win 2–0 Josh Green TKO (punches) PFC 12: High Stakes January 22, 2009 1 1:49 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 1–0 Brett Chism Decision (unanimous) No Boundary 1 October 11, 2008 2 5:00 Plymouth, Massachusetts, United States

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Fight Card - UFC 172 Jones vs. Teixeira". UFC.com. Retrieved May 3, 2014.
  2. ↑ "UFC 109 Results" (PDF). Boxing.nv.gov. 2010-02-06. Retrieved 2010-12-21.
  3. ↑ Penn State University Official Athletic Site – Wrestling. Gopsusports.com. Retrieved on 2011-12-24.
  4. ↑ http://mmainpa.weebly.com/
  5. ↑ "NCAA champ Phil Davis". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2009-12-18.
  6. ↑ . Bjjlegends.com. Archived April 4, 2010, at the Wayback Machine.
  7. ↑ "UFC signs NCAA champ Phil Davis". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2009-12-17.
  8. ↑ "Phil Davis vs. Brian Stann added to UFC 109". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2009-12-28.
  9. ↑ "UFC 112: Phil Davis vs Alexander Gustafsson on tap for April 10". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2009-02-15.
  10. ↑ "Phenom Davis gets a submission win to finish UFC 112 undercard". Yahoo! Sports. 2010-04-10. Retrieved 2011-01-02.
  11. ↑ "Phil Davis replaces injured Stanislav Nedkov, meets Rodney Wallace at UFC 117". mmajunkie.com. 2010-07-22.
  12. ↑ "Tim Boetsch vs. Phil Davis tapped for UFC 123". mmajunkie.com. 2010-09-04.
  13. ↑ "UFC 123 bonuses: Penn, Davis, Sotiropoulos and Lauzon earn $80,000 awards". mmajunkie.com. 2010-11-21. Retrieved 2011-01-02.
  14. ↑ "Phil Davis vs. Matt Hamill targeted for UFC 129 in Toronto". mmajunkie.com. January 7, 2011.
  15. ↑ "Jason Brilz and Phil Davis targeted for UFC 129 matchup". mmajunkie.com. February 16, 2011.
  16. ↑ "Tito Ortiz out, Phil Davis faces Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC Fight Night 24". mmajunkie.com. 2011-02-19. Retrieved 2011-02-20.
  17. ↑ "Jon Jones injured, Phil Davis vs. Rashad Evans now targeted for UFC 133". mmajunkie.com. April 25, 2011.
  18. ↑ "UFC 133: Tito Ortiz accepts fight against Rashad Evans for Aug. 6 in Philadelphia". mmamania.com. July 13, 2011.
  19. ↑ UFC 140 briefly adds Phil Davis vs. Lyoto Machida, but UFC boss 'jumped gun' (Updated). MMAjunkie.com (2011-09-27). Retrieved on 2011-12-24.
  20. ↑ "Sources: Rashad Evans, Phil Davis set". espn.go.com.com. November 30, 2011. Retrieved November 30, 2011.
  21. ↑ "Phil Davis vs. Chad Griggs added to August's UFC on FOX 4 event". mmajunkie.com. May 14, 2012.
  22. ↑ "Phil Davis now meets undefeated newcomer Wagner Prado at UFC on FOX 4". mmajunkie.com. May 30, 2012.
  23. ↑ "With Belcher's spinal fracture, Davis vs. Prado shifts to UFC 153 in Rio". mmajunkie.com. August 25, 2012.
  24. ↑ "Phil Davis meets Forrest Griffin at UFC 155 in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. October 19, 2012.
  25. ↑ "With Forrest Griffin Out, Phil Davis Will Not Fight at UFC 155 and Move to Future Card". mmaweekly.com. December 7, 2012.
  26. ↑ "Davis vs. Magalhaes added to UFC 159". mmajunkie.com. January 29, 2013.
  27. ↑ Brian Hemminger (2013-08-04). "UFC 163 results recap: Phil Davis vs Lyoto Machida fight review and analysis". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2013-08-04.
  28. ↑ "Phil Davis vs. Lyoto Machida vs. Phil Davis - UFC 163: Aldo vs. Korean Zombie - Fight Statistics". espn.go.com.com. 2013-08-04. Retrieved 2013-08-04.
  29. ↑ "MMA Decisions - UFC 163 Aldo vs Korean Zombie". mmadecisions.com. August 5, 2013.
  30. ↑ UFC 163 results: Dana White thinks Lyoto Machida 'definitely' defeated Phil Davis in Rio
  31. ↑ https://twitter.com/danawhite/statuses/363874634749317120
  32. ↑ Dana is also notable for preferring the spectacle of aesthetic fighting over the imperative of sporting merit. Lyoto Machida says 'positive thinking' key to coping with difficult loss
  33. ↑ Brent Brookhouse (2014-02-04). "Anthony Johnson returns to the UFC, will face Phil Davis at UFC 172". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2014-02-04.
  34. ↑ http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/phil-davis-hijacks-ufc-172-conference-call-trash-talking-jon-jones-042114
  35. ↑ http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2041315-phil-davis-rips-jon-jones-dismisses-anthony-johnson-at-ufc-172-media-day
  36. ↑ http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2043172-jon-jones-clowns-on-phil-davis-at-ufc-172-post-fight-presser
  37. ↑ http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2073374-jon-jones-pokes-fun-at-chuck-liddell-phil-davis-and-eye-gouging-accusations
  38. ↑ Guilherme Cruz (2014-08-01). "Glover Teixeira vs. Phil Davis added to UFC 179 in Brazil". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2014-08-01.
  39. ↑ Ben Fowlkes (2014-10-25). "UFC 179 results, photos: Phil Davis wins again in Brazil, dominates Glover Teixeira". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-10-25.
  40. ↑ Jesse Holland (2014-11-28). "UFC on FOX 14: Phil Davis vs. Ryan Bader booked for Jan. 24 in Sweden". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2014-11-28.
  41. ↑ "Bellator announces signing of UFC contender Phil Davis". mmajunkie.com. 2015-04-15.
  42. ↑ Michael Stets (2015-06-19). "Bellator 'Dynamite' to feature title fight, one-night light heavyweight tourney, and GLORY kickboxing in San Jose". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2015-08-06.
  43. ↑ "Bellator Light Heavyweight tournament pairs Linton Vassell vs 'King Mo', Phil Davis vs Emanuel Newton". mma-core.com. 2015-08-29.
  44. ↑ "Phil Davis advances to the LHW finals at Bellator Dynamite 1". efightnews.com. 2015-09-19.
  45. ↑ "Bellator Dynamite results: Phil Davis makes quick work of Newton, meets 'King Mo' in final". bjpenn.com. 2015-09-19.
  46. ↑ "'King Mo' out, Carmont in vs. Phil Davis in Bellator LHW tournament final". bloodyelbow.com. 2015-09-20.
  47. ↑ "Bellator 142 results: Phil Davis shuts down replacement Franics Carmont to win tourney". mmajunkie.com. 2015-09-20.
  48. ↑ "Bealltor Dynamite co-main event recap: Phil Davis knocks out Francis Carmont". bloodyelbow.com. 2015-09-21.
  49. ↑ "Bellator 142 results: McGeary retains belt, gets Phil Davis in next title defense". mmajunkie.com. 2015-09-20.
  50. ↑ "Bellator 154 set for San Jose with Davis vs. Lawal, Chandler vs. Thomson". mmajunkie.com. 2016-02-19.
  51. ↑ "Bellator 154 results: Phil Davis earns title shot with decision over 'King Mo' Lawal". mmajunkie.com. 2016-05-14.
  52. ↑ "Liam McGeary vs. Phil Davis LHW title fight headlines Bellator 163".
  53. ↑ http://uk.ufc.com/fighter/Phil-Davis
  54. 1 2 3 4 Phil Davis. wrestlinghalloffame.org
  55. ↑ "MMA News 247 Awards 2010". mmanews247.com. 2011-01-02.
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