Career

Hayes" debut for Bellator was on June 10, 2010, at Bellator 21, where he defeated Steve Banks by unanimous decision. Hayes entered the second heavyweight tournament in Bellator"s fifth season. Hayes faced Andreas Kraniotakes for the vacant Cage Warriors Fighting Championship heavyweight title on March 16, 2012.

Hayes fought Doctorate.J. Linderman in a rematch for the Cage Warriors Fighting Championship heavyweight title at Cage Warriors 47 and lost the fight via decision.

Hayes was expected to fight former UFC light heavyweight veteran Thiago Silva at Fight Time 20 on August 29, 2014. However, Silva sustained a knee injury and the fight was cancelled.

Cage Warriors

CWFC Heavyweight Championship (One time).

Achievements

• He has fought for Strikeforce, Bellator Fighting Championships and is a former Cage Warriors Heavyweight Champion. He faced UFC veteran Neil Grove at Bellator 52 and won the back-and-forth bout via split decision. He won the bout and title via submission in the third round.