Preview: UFC 288 Prelims

Middleweights

Ikram Aliskerov (13-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Phil Hawes (12-4, 4-2 UFC)

ODDS: Aliskerov (-210), Hawes (+180)

Part of the Hawes story will always include the massive hype around the early parts of his career, but even if he has fallen short of those expectations, he has turned into a solid—if still immensely frustrating—fighter. Hawes became a top prospect immediately upon his 2014 pro debut thanks to his tremendous physical potential, but it was a struggle for him to even make it to the UFC. His 2016 showing on “The Ultimate Fighter” saw him fail to even make it into the house, and a spot on Dana White’s Contender Series a year later saw him get knocked out by Julian Marquez. It was not until 2020 that Hawes was able to go the DWCS route once again and earn a UFC contract, and his time with the promotion actually got off to an impressive start. Given how much of his career was marked by his tendency to implode, it was an achievement to see him put together decision wins over Nassourdine Imavov and Kyle Daukaus, even if he was exhausted by the end of both fights. However, Hawes’ last three fights have been marked by some impressive highs and some frustrating lows. He absolutely ran through Deron Winn, but that was sandwiched between losses to Chris Curtis and Roman Dolidze—fights where Hawes was once again doing well up until the point that things went massively wrong. On the plus side, those are respectively one of the craftiest and one of the most physically impressive middleweights on the UFC roster, so beating Hawes still requires clearing a high bar; and it is up to Aliskerov to prove he is on that level. Aliskerov mostly falls into the typical Dagestani archetype, with his striking serving as a means to an end in order to get to his wrestling and grappling. Aliskerov’s power grappling—particularly what is becoming a signature kimura—serves as the standout part of his game. That dynamic essentially boils this fight down to one thing: whether or not Aliskerov can successfully outwrestle Hawes. The bet is that Hawes can at least do enough to get back to his feet and separate himself as the much more effective striker. This could get ugly, but the pick is Hawes via decision.

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