Mike Hayes (fighter)
Michael Hayes (born October 16, 1980) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Light Heavyweight division. A professional competitor since 2007, he has competed for Bellator, Strikeforce, Cage Warriors, King of the Cage, the Palace Fighting Championship, the World Series of Fighting, KSW, and Fight Nights Global. Mixed martial arts 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. He faced UFC veteran Neil Grove at Bellator 52 and won the  back-and-forth bout via split decision. Hayes faced Andreas Kraniotakes for the vacant Cage Warriors Fighting Championship heavyweight title on March 16, 2012. He won the bout and title via submission in the third round. Hayes fought D.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.