MMA Preview – Phil Hawes vs Kyle Daukaus at UFC Vegas 26
PHIL HAWES VS KYLE DAUKAUS FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 26? Sunday 9th May, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 26? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 26? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC Vegas 26 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 26? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
PHIL HAWES VS KYLE DAUKAUS LOWDOWN
Phil Hawes (10-2) got three fights in last year and already makes his second outing of 2021. We first saw him on the Contender Series after two knockouts and a submission where he added another knockout to the tally, putting Khadzhimurat Bestaev away in the first round. He has now stretched his streak to six winning his first two UFC fights. They were not well-known names, but they are extremely underrated fighters in Jacob Malkoun and Nassourdine Imavov. He brutally knocked out Malkoun handing him his first ever loss and then in February, he earnt a majority decision over the Frenchman to snap his six-fight win streak.
Kyle Daukaus (10-1) is back on the winning trail after suffering the first loss of his career. However, he did not lose any stock in that loss as he stepped up on short notice to take on Brendan Allen for a UFC debut. The odds were stacked against him, but he put on a show. He eventually lost via unanimous decision but showed a lot of heart and that shone through again earning a unanimous decision over Dustin Stolzfus back in November.
PHIL HAWES VS KYLE DAUKAUS PREDICTION
This looks like a striker vs grappler match-up on paper, but they are very well-rounded. Daukaus does not have one-punch knockout power but he is a dangerous southpaw with quick hands. Hawes is a powerhouse, but he can also grapple with an aggressive clinch that often leads to a takedown.
Hawes has a great level-change when he decides to take the fight to the floor, but Daukaus will welcome a scrap on the mat with his submission threat. He is very tricky on the ground but if Hawes decides to keep top control, he can keep Daukaus pinned on his back.
If Daukaus can create scrambles and land on top of Hawes however, the fight will be in his domain. That said, Hawes has the ability to keep the fight where he wants it. If he paces himself, he should be able to hurt Daukaus on the feet and then control him in the clinch and land in top position to offload ground-and-pound.
Prediction: Hawes via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
