Phillips made his MMA debut in his home country of Wales, winning his first two fights by knockout within the first round. He then fought in various promotions around Europe, including Cage Warriors and BAMMA, where he earned a reputation as a ferocious striker with explosive power in his hands.
In 2016, Phillips finally made his debut in the UFC, fighting against Italian fighter Alessio Di Chirico. Unfortunately, he lost the fight via split decision, but he went on to redeem himself in his next bout against Brazilian fighter Marcos Rogério de Lima, winning by knockout in the second round.
Phillips continued to compete in the UFC, facing off against tough opponents such as Charles Byrd, Kevin Holland, and Andrew Sanchez. While he experienced mixed success in his fights, he remained a crowd favorite for his aggressive, hard-hitting style that never seemed to back down.
However, in early 2021, Phillips faced a significant setback in his career when he was released from the UFC due to a three-fight losing streak. Despite this setback, Phillips remains committed to continuing his MMA career, with hopes of someday returning to the UFC and redeeming himself.
Outside of the cage, Phillips is known for his brotherhood in the MMA community. He has trained alongside fellow Welsh fighters like Brett Johns and Jack Shore, and has often spoken about the importance of loyalty and camaraderie in the sport.
Phillips has also been open about his struggles with mental health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been vocal about the challenges of training and competing during a time of social distancing and isolation, and has encouraged other fighters to prioritize their mental wellbeing alongside their physical training.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Phillips remains a fighter at heart. He continues to train and compete locally in the UK, and remains focused on his goal of returning to the UFC someday.
In conclusion, John Phillips is a Welsh MMA fighter who has made a name for himself in the sport with his aggressive, hard-hitting style. Although he faced a setback with his release from the UFC, he remains a beloved figure in the MMA community and continues to train and compete with determination and passion. With his dedication to the sport and commitment to his mental health, there’s no doubt that Phillips has a bright future ahead of him in mixed martial arts.