Costas Philippou began boxing in 1994 and had his first fight six months later.
27 Facts About Costas Philippou
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2.
Costas Philippou fought in the Golden Gloves two months after coming to the United States, but lost in the finals at Madison Square Garden by a split decision to Nagy Aguilera.
3.
Costas Philippou then turned pro and had three fights three wins, the third being featured on ESPN.
4.
Costas Philippou transitioned to MMA after disputes with his manager and coach.
5.
Costas Philippou made his professional MMA debut in May 2008 for the Ring of Combat promotion, losing to fellow future UFC fighter Ricardo Romero by split decision.
6.
Costas Philippou had previously trained with the Serra-Longo Fight Team, but as of May 30,2013, he decided to switch camps to Bellmore Kickboxing Academy.
7.
Costas Philippou first made his appearance in the UFC on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Liddell vs Team Ortiz.
8.
Costas Philippou got a second chance in the UFC after stepping in as a late replacement for Dan Miller, who was moved up the card to face Nate Marquardt, facing Nick Catone at UFC 128 in a catchweight bout of 195 pounds.
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Costas Philippou was expected to face BJJ black belt Rafael Natal on August 6,2011, at UFC 133, replacing an injured Riki Fukuda.
10.
However, an injury forced Alessio Sakara out of his main card bout against Jorge Rivera, and Costas Philippou was pulled from his bout with Natal and named as Sakara's replacement against Rivera.
11.
Costas Philippou won the fight via split decision, earning his first UFC victory.
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Costas Philippou faced off against Jared Hamman on December 10,2011, at UFC 140.
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Costas Philippou won the match via KO at 3:11 in the first round.
14.
Costas Philippou fought TUF 11 winner Court McGee on March 3,2012, at UFC on FX 2.
15.
Costas Philippou won the fight via unanimous decision after a back and forth bout.
16.
Costas Philippou next defeated Riki Fukuda via unanimous decision on July 7,2012, at UFC 148.
17.
Costas Philippou was expected to face Nick Ring on November 17,2012, at UFC 154 however, the fight was cancelled on the day of the event as Ring fell ill.
18.
Costas Philippou replaced his injured training partner Chris Weidman against Tim Boetsch at UFC 155 on December 29,2012.
19.
Costas Philippou was expected to face Ronaldo Souza on May 18,2013, at UFC on FX 8.
20.
Costas Philippou lost the fight via unanimous decision.
21.
Costas Philippou faced Luke Rockhold on January 15,2014, at UFC Fight Night 35.
22.
Costas Philippou lost the fight via KO in the first round.
23.
Costas Philippou faced Lorenz Larkin in the co-main event at UFC Fight Night 40.
24.
Costas Philippou won the fight via knockout in the first round.
25.
Costas Philippou was expected to face Uriah Hall on January 18,2015, at UFC Fight Night 59 Costas Philippou would be forced out the bout due to injury.
26.
Costas Philippou faced Gegard Mousasi on May 16,2015, at UFC Fight Night 66.
27.
On July 7,2015, Costas Philippou retired from mixed martial arts competition.