Grant Dawson ("KGD")
* Age: 30
* Height: 5'10" / 177.8 cm
* Weight: 155 lbs / 70.31 kg
* Record: 21-2-1
* Association: American Top Team
Grant Dawson is a submission expert with an impressive 62% of his wins coming via submission (13 submissions). Known for his grappling-heavy style, Dawson thrives in controlling the fight on the ground, especially with rear-naked chokes, which have become his signature move. He is coming off a win over Joe Solecki but also suffered a first-round KO loss to Bobby Green in his previous bout, which exposed some vulnerabilities in his striking defense.
Grant Dawson - Last 5 Fights
* Win vs. Joe Solecki – UFC 302 (Jun 1, 2024)
* Loss vs. Bobby Green – UFC Fight Night 229 (Oct 7, 2023)
* Win vs. Damir Ismagulov – UFC on ESPN 48 (Jul 1, 2023)
* Win vs. Mark O. Madsen – UFC Fight Night 214 (Nov 5, 2022)
* Win vs. Jared Gordon – UFC on ESPN 35 (Apr 30, 2022)
Rafa Garcia ("Gifted")
* Age: 30
* Height: 5'7" / 170.18 cm
* Weight: 155 lbs / 70.31 kg
* Record: 16-3-0
* Association: Team Elevation / UFC Gym Costa Mesa
Rafa Garcia, another grappling specialist, boasts an impressive submission rate with 50% of his wins coming via submission (8 submissions). While Garcia's grappling skills are formidable, he has also displayed resilience in his recent victories, particularly with his unanimous decision win over UFC veteran Clay Guida. Garcia’s ability to neutralize opponents with his submission game makes him a tough matchup for any lightweight.
Rafa Garcia - Last 5 Fights
* Win vs. Clay Guida – UFC on ESPN 44 (Apr 15, 2023)
* Win vs. Maheshate Hayisaer – UFC Fight Night 216 (Dec 17, 2022)
* Loss vs. Drakkar Klose – UFC 277 (Jul 30, 2022)
* Win vs. Jesse Ronson – UFC on ESPN 34 (Apr 16, 2022)
* Win vs. Natan Levy – UFC Fight Night 198 (Nov 20, 2021)
Fight Breakdown
This fight will likely come down to which fighter can impose their grappling game more effectively. Dawson has a height and reach advantage and will likely try to use those to keep Garcia at bay while looking for opportunities to engage in clinches and force submissions. Garcia, on the other hand, will need to rely on his submission defense and seek to outpace Dawson with his wrestling.
Prediction
Grant Dawson’s grappling and submission skills give him a slight edge in this matchup. While Garcia’s resilience and grappling proficiency make this a close fight, Dawson’s ability to dominate opponents on the ground could be the deciding factor.
Prediction: Grant Dawson by Submission (Round 3).
