Phil Hawes vs Chris Curtis Odds, Preview and Prediction, November 6 (11/6): UFC

Credit: photo by Chris Unger/Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports

Odds

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Preview

We got ourselves an intriguing fight in the Middleweight division, as Phil ‘Megatron’ Hawes takes on UFC newcomer Chris ‘The Action Man’ Curtis. Since 2019, Hawes has turned around his career with seven consecutive wins. The former Ultimate Fighter 23 flameout no longer is an afterthought, as his three wins inside the octagon have him knocking on the division's top fifteen rankings. Meanwhile, Curtis finally gets his chance to compete in the UFC. After winning on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2018, many thought Curtis would be a shoe-in to be signed. However, he was passed over. Curtis kept at it though, winning five straight and seven of his last ten. A little more than three years after the DWCS fight, Curtis will finally make the walk.

Prediction

Originally, this fight almost came to fruition at UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Rodriguez. Phil Hawes had been scheduled to fight Deron Winn, but Winn withdrew and Chris Curtis offered up his services. Hawes declined due to the short notice nature of the fight, but accepted a future date with Curtis. While I believe that Curtis is a good addition to the roster, I don’t see this fight going well for him. Not only is Hawes a big Middleweight, but he has legitimate skills. With excellent takedown defense, wrestling and power on the feet, it’s only a matter of time before Hawes is in some high profile fights. Now, Curtis is a solid striker with power. However, he’s a Welterweight who has had takedown defense issues. In other words, the wrong ingredients to have heading into a fight with Hawes.

As for a prediction, obviously I have Hawes. The man is a legitimate tank and has the skills to make a run in this division. Unless Curtis comes out of the gate and tries to stun Hawes, he should expect to be fighting off his back the entire fight. The combination of Hawes’ strength, wrestling and sheer size is going to overwhelm the Action man. In the end, I foresee Hawes getting the TKO stoppage victory due to ground-and-pound.

PICK: Phil Hawes (-330)

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