A professional since October 2014, Phil Rowe owns a 6–2 record on the regional scene with the wins being four submissions and two knockouts. After losing his first two bouts off his professional MMA career, via TKO in the first round against Roberto Yong at RITC 174 and via unanimous decision against Justin Lesko at XCC 20, Rowe won his first bout submitting Jeremy Bethea at House of Fame 4 via rear-naked choke in the second round. Rowe would go on to win his next 5 bouts on the regional scene all by first or second round stoppage, culminating at Island Fights 53, where he tapped out Matt McKeon in the second round.[5]
Rowe was invited to compete at Dana White's Contender Series 25 on August 20, 2019, against Leon Shahbazyan. He won the bout and an UFC contract via third round TKO.[6]
Rowe was briefly linked to a bout with promotional newcomer Matthew Semelsberger at UFC on ESPN: Munhoz vs. Edgar on August 22, 2020.[8] However, Rowe pulled out of the bout citing a toe injury and was replaced by Carlton Minus.[9]
Rowe made his UFC debut against Gabriel Green at UFC 258 on February 13, 2021. He lost the bout via unanimous decision.[10]
In his sophomore performance, Rowe faced Orion Cosce on July 31, 2021, at UFC on ESPN: Hall vs. Strickland. At the weigh-ins, Rowe weighed in at 173.5 pounds, two and half pounds over the welterweight non-title fight limit. His bout proceeded at a catchweight and he was fined 20% of his individual purse, which went to his opponent Orion Cosce.[11] He won the bout via TKO stoppage in the second round.[12]
Rowe was scheduled to face Abubakar Nurmagomedov on July 16, 2022, at UFC on ABC: Ortega vs. Rodríguez.[15] However, the pairing was cancelled due to complications on both sides. Rowe has been forced to withdraw due to an injury, while Nurmagomedov is dealing with visa issues.[16]
Rowe faced Niko Price on December 3, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 42.[17] In a third round comeback, Rowe won the bout via TKO stoppage.[18]
Rowe competed against Kody Steele at WNO: Jones v Ruotolo on June 18, 2021, and lost via decision.[23]
Rowe then faced Gordon Ryan in an exhibition match in the main event of WNO: Ryan v Rowe on October 20, 2021.[24] Rowe was submitted four times throughout the match.[25]
Rowe competed against Craig Jones in the main event of Karate Combat's Pit Submission Series 2 on February 23, 2024.[26] He was submitted with a flying triangle choke and lost the match.[27]
Rowe competed against Lucas LaRue at Pit Submission Series 6 on June 28, 2024.[28] He won the match by submission with a rear-naked choke.[29]