Kyler Phillips

Kyler John Phillips (born June 12, 1995) is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Bantamweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of May 7, 2024, he is #11 in the UFC bantamweight rankings.

Background
At the age of three, Phillip's father took him to the Gracie Academy out of Torrance, California, where he developed a lifelong love for it. At the age of 12, Phillips took part in pankration fights and had his first MMA fight at the age of 16. Phillips also wrestled at Temecula Valley High School. He is a Carlson Gracie BJJ Brown belt, and a Nikidokai black/red belt under grandmaster Hanshi Nico. Among some other accomplishments of Phillips are IBJJF jiu-jitsu world champion blue belt (2012), California State judo champion (2010), and California Southern Section CIF wrestling champion at 138 lbs (2013).

Early career
After a 4–0 record on the regional scene, including an impressive win at LFA 13 against Jonathan Quiroz, was invited to first season of Dana White's Contender Series 4 in 2017, when he only needed 46 seconds to stop James Gray Jr. While not being offered a contract to the UFC, he was brought in to compete on The Ultimate Fighter: Undefeated.

On the show he lost a majority decision to eventual season winner Brad Katona. Then came his first official pro defeat, a split decision to Victor Henry in a 2018 bout before a head kick knockout of Emeka Ifekandu in 2019 earned him his call to the Octagon.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Phillips made his UFC debut against Gabriel Silva on February 29, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Benavidez vs. Figueiredo. He won the bout in dominant fashion via unanimous decision. This win earned him the Fight of the Night bonus.

Phillips faced Cameron Else on October 4, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Holm vs. Aldana. He won the bout via stoppage due to elbows on the ground in the second round. This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.

Phillips faced Song Yadong on March 6, 2021, at UFC 259. He won the bout via unanimous decision.

Phillips was scheduled to face Raphael Assunção on July 24, 2021, at UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Dillashaw. However, Assunção suffered a bicep injury in late June and was replaced by Raulian Paiva. Phillips lost the fight via majority decision. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.

Phillips faced Marcelo Rojo on February 12, 2022, at UFC 271. He won the fight via triangle armbar submission in round three.

Phillips was scheduled to face Jack Shore on November 19, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 215. However, Shore pulled out of the fight due to a knee injury.

Phillips was scheduled to face Raphael Assunção on March 11, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 221. However, Phillips withdrew from the event for undisclosed reasons, and he was replaced by Davey Grant.

In March, it was announced that Phillips was suspended by NSAC due to testing positive for ostarine for six months effective January 22, 2023. He would be eligible to fight again in July 22, 2023.

Phillips was scheduled to face Said Nurmagomedov on August 5, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 50. However, Nurmagomedov withdrew for unknown reasons and was replaced by Raoni Barcelos. He won the bout via unanimous decision.

Phillips faced Pedro Munhoz on March 9, 2024, at UFC 299. He won the bout by unanimous decision.

Mixed martial arts

 * Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Cameron Else
 * Fight of the Night (Two times) vs. Gabriel Silva and Raulian Paiva