Kyler John Phillips Bio
Kyler John Phillips, born on June 12, 1995, is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known by his ring name “The Matrix,” Phillips has established himself as a skilled fighter with a record of 12 wins and 4 losses. As of September 30, 2025, he is ranked #14 in the UFC bantamweight rankings and trains with the MMA Lab in Glendale, Arizona.
Early Life and Background
Kyler Phillips was born in Torrance, California, and developed an early passion for martial arts when his father introduced him to the Gracie Academy at the age of three. Growing up in California, Phillips engaged in pankration fights by age 12 and had his first mixed martial arts fight at 16. He also wrestled at Temecula Valley High School, showcasing his athletic versatility. Phillips holds a Carlson Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt and a Nikidokai black/red belt under grandmaster Hanshi Nico. His early achievements include becoming an IBJJF jiu-jitsu world champion at the blue belt level in 2012, California State judo champion in 2010, and California Southern Section CIF wrestling champion at 138 lbs in 2013.
Path to MMA
Phillips began his professional MMA career in 2016, quickly earning a 4–0 record on the regional circuit. His notable win at LFA 13 against Jonathan Quiroz helped him gain recognition. In 2017, he competed on Dana White’s Contender Series 4, where he secured a 46-second stoppage victory over James Gray Jr. Although he was not immediately offered a UFC contract, Phillips was invited to participate in The Ultimate Fighter: Undefeated. Despite losing a majority decision to Brad Katona on the show, Phillips continued to develop his skills and returned to the professional scene with a head kick knockout of Emeka Ifekandu in 2019, which earned him his UFC debut call-up.
Kyler John Phillips Career
Early Career (2016–2019)
Phillips’ early career was marked by rapid progress through regional promotions, where he demonstrated a well-rounded skill set. His undefeated streak and impressive finishes caught the attention of larger organizations. His participation in Dana White’s Contender Series and The Ultimate Fighter provided valuable exposure and experience against high-level competition. Despite a setback with a split decision loss to Victor Henry in 2018, Phillips rebounded with a knockout victory in 2019 that propelled him into the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2020–Present)
Phillips made his UFC debut on February 29, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Benavidez vs. Figueiredo, defeating Gabriel Silva by unanimous decision. This performance earned him the Fight of the Night bonus. Later that year, he secured a second-round stoppage victory over Cameron Else at UFC on ESPN: Holm vs. Aldana, earning the Performance of the Night award. In March 2021, Phillips defeated Song Yadong by unanimous decision at UFC 259, further solidifying his position in the bantamweight division.
Phillips faced Raulian Paiva in July 2021 after Raphael Assunção withdrew due to injury. Phillips lost the bout by majority decision, but the fight earned Fight of the Night honors. He returned to winning form in February 2022 with a triangle armbar submission victory over Marcelo Rojo at UFC 271. Scheduled bouts against Jack Shore and Raphael Assunção were canceled due to injuries and undisclosed reasons, respectively. In early 2023, Phillips served a six-month suspension for testing positive for ostarine, making him eligible to return in July 2023.
Phillips resumed competition by defeating Raoni Barcelos by unanimous decision in August 2023. He continued his winning streak with a unanimous decision victory over Pedro Munhoz at UFC 299 in March 2024. However, he faced setbacks with unanimous decision losses to Rob Font in October 2024 and Vinicius Oliveira in July 2025.
MMA Lab Era (Present)
Training with MMA Lab in Glendale, Arizona, Phillips has honed his skills under experienced coaches. His current team environment supports his development in striking, grappling, and fight strategy. Despite recent losses, Phillips remains a competitive presence in the bantamweight division, aiming to climb the rankings and secure future victories.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Kyler Phillips is known for his versatile fighting style, combining strong wrestling fundamentals with effective Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and striking. His ability to adapt during fights and execute submissions or knockouts has contributed to his success. Phillips’ reach of 183 cm and height of 173 cm provide him with advantageous striking range in the bantamweight class.
Notable Events and Milestones
Phillips has earned multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses in the UFC, highlighting his exciting fighting style. His submission victory at UFC 271 and quick stoppage on Dana White’s Contender Series stand out as career milestones. Despite facing suspensions and injuries, Phillips continues to be a notable competitor in the bantamweight division.
Kyler John Phillips Career Wins
Kyler Phillips holds a professional MMA record of 12 wins and 4 losses. His victories include 5 knockouts, 2 submissions, and 4 decisions, reflecting his well-rounded capabilities inside the cage. Phillips has demonstrated the ability to finish fights both standing and on the ground, making him a versatile threat in his division.
UFC Highlights
Phillips’ UFC career features several significant wins, including his debut victory over Gabriel Silva and a submission win against Marcelo Rojo. His fight against Cameron Else showcased his ground-and-pound skills, earning him a Performance of the Night bonus. Phillips has also engaged in several high-profile bouts that earned Fight of the Night honors, underscoring his entertaining and competitive fighting approach.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Phillips built an undefeated record on the regional circuit, including a notable win at LFA 13. His early success laid the foundation for his entry into the UFC and established him as a promising prospect in mixed martial arts.
Kyler John Phillips Family
Family Background and Martial Arts Lineage
Phillips’ introduction to martial arts was influenced by his father, who took him to the Gracie Academy in Torrance, California, at a young age. This early exposure fostered a lifelong passion for combat sports and shaped his development as a fighter. Details about his parents or extended family are not publicly documented.
Personal Life
Kyler Phillips resides in Glendale, Arizona, where he trains and prepares for competition. Information about his marital status or children has not been publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Kyler Phillips continued to compete actively in the UFC bantamweight division. Despite a loss to Vinicius Oliveira at UFC 318 in July, Phillips remains ranked among the top bantamweights. His performances throughout the year reflect ongoing efforts to regain momentum and improve his standing. Training with MMA Lab and focusing on refining his skills, Phillips aims to return to winning form and contend for higher rankings in upcoming bouts.