Don'Tale Mayes

Don'Tale O'Neil Mayes (born January 16, 1992) is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Heavyweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Background
Born and raised in Kentucky, Mayes begun training martial arts to discharge his aggression. He initially picked up judo before transitioning to other disciplines as well. In judo he claimed Kansas and Indiana state championships. Mayes attended Ancilla College but did not receive a degree.

Early career
Mayes competed as an amateur from 2014 to 2015, compiling an undefeated 8–0 record. Mayes then compiled a 3-1 professional record, winning the Hoosier FC Heavyweight Championship in only his second fight. He was invited to participate in Dana White's Contender Series 8 of Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. Mayes faced Allen Crowder, losing by technical knockout in the third round. He appeared twice more on the Contender Series, winning both fights by stoppage, earning his UFC contract on the second try.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Don'Tale Mayes made his UFC debut against Ciryl Gane on October 26, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Askren. He lost the fight by a heel hook in the third round.

Mayes faced Rodrigo Nascimento on May 16, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Harris. He lost the fight via second round rear naked choke.

Mayes faced Roque Martinez on November 14, 2020 UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. dos Anjos. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Mayes was scheduled to face Tai Tuivasa on March 20, 2021, at UFC on ESPN: Brunson vs. Holland. However, Mayes was removed from the fight during the week leading up to the event for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by promotional newcomer Harry Hunsucker.

Mayes faced Josh Parisian on December 18, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Daukaus. He won the bout via TKO in the third round.

Mayes was scheduled to face Justin Tafa on July 30, 2022, at UFC 277. Tafa pulled out due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by promotional newcomer Hamdy Abdelwahab on July 18. Mayes lost the back-and-forth fight via split decision. However, the fight was later ruled a no contest after Abdelwahab was suspended by USADA, due to Abdelwahab failing to disclose a history of using Methenolone before joining the UFC and testing positive thereafter.

Mayes faced Augusto Sakai on February 25, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 220. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Mayes faced Andrei Arlovski on June 3, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 46. He won the fight via technical knockout in the second round.

Mayes faced Rodrigo Nascimento in a rematch on November 4, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 231. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Mayes faced Caio Machado on April 27, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 55. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Mayes is scheduled to face Shamil Gaziev on August 3, 2024, at UFC on ABC 7.

Championships and accomplishments

 * Hoosier Fight Club
 * Hoosier FC Heavyweight Championship (One time)