Formerly an open-side flanker for local rugby team Hove RFC, Hathaway decided to make the transition to mixed martial arts after watching the Ultimate Fighting championship on television. He made his professional MMA debut on 25 June 2006, defeating his opponent via rear naked choke in the first round. John Hathaway currently trains at London Shootfighters. Hathaway also trained in the US with American Top Team and 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu with Eddie Bravo.
After signing a four fight deal, Hathaway was scheduled to fight undefeated Tom Egan at UFC 93. He made an impressive UFC debut, scoring a dominant first round TKO win over Egan via elbows. Hathaway defeated the debuting Rick Story via unanimous decision at UFC 99. Hathaway's next fight was against Paul Taylor at UFC 105. Hathaway won a unanimous decision. Hathaway then faced the biggest fight of his career as he fought Diego Sanchez on 29 May 2010 at UFC 114, in Sanchez' return to welterweight. In the first round, Hathaway dropped Sanchez with a knee to the head, as Sanchez attempted a takedown. Hathaway then dominated with ground and pound. The rest of the fight saw Hathaway utilize his reach advantage to dominate the striking, which gave him the unanimous decision victory. Hathaway was expected to face Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 120, but Kim was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Mike Pyle. Hathaway lost to Pyle via unanimous decision after being overmatched by the heavy underdog. This loss was also the first of his career. Hathaway fought Kris McCray on 26 March 2011 at UFC Fight Night 24. The fight was closely contested throughout. However, Hathaway walked away the winner via split decision. Hathaway was expected to face Pascal Krauss on 5 November 2011 at UFC 138. However, on 30 August Krauss pulled out of the bout citing a shoulder injury, and was replaced by Matt Brown. On 17 October, Hathaway himself was forced to pull out of the bout due to an undisclosed injury. As a result, Brown was pulled from the card and shifted to UFC 139. Hathaway/Krauss took place on 5 May 2012 at UFC on Fox 3. He won the fight via unanimous decision. Hathaway beat John Maguire via unanimous decision on 29 September 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV 5. Hathaway was expected to face Erick Silva on 8 June 2013 at. However, Hathaway was pulled from the bout in late April and replaced by Jason High. Hathaway returned from his extended hiatus to face Dong Hyun Kim on 1 March 2014 at. He lost the fight via third round knockout due to a spinning back elbow. Hathaway was expected to face Gunnar Nelson on 11 July 2015 at UFC 189. However, Hathaway pulled out of the bout on 23 June citing injury, and was replaced by Brandon Thatch.
Personal life
John Hathaway was diagnosed with Crohn's disease some time in 2010. This has prevented him from fighting since 2014.
