Davey Grant (15-7)
Grant, 38, is a seasoned competitor with a dangerous submission game, boasting 9 of his 15 wins by submission. He also has knockout power, demonstrated in his recent victories. Despite his age, Grant remains a threat with his aggressive striking and grappling arsenal. However, his recent form has been inconsistent, including a loss in his last outing.
Grant’s strengths lie in his exceptional submission skills and his ability to finish fights both on the feet and the ground. He has a well-rounded skill set and extensive experience against top-tier competition. However, he has struggled with consistency in recent years and can be vulnerable to faster, more explosive opponents, especially in striking exchanges.
Last Five Fights:
1. Loss vs. Daniel Marcos – Decision (Split) at UFC Fight Night 224 (Jul 22, 2023)
2. Win vs. Raphael Assuncao – Technical Submission (Inverted Triangle Choke) at UFC Fight Night 221 (Mar 11, 2023)
3. Win vs. Louis Smolka – KO (Punches) at UFC on ESPN 36 (May 14, 2022)
4. Loss vs. Adrian Yanez – Decision (Split) at UFC Fight Night 198 (Nov 20, 2021)
5. Loss vs. Marlon Vera – Decision (Unanimous) at UFC on ESPN 25 (Jun 19, 2021)
Ramon Taveras (10-2)
At 30, Taveras is a dynamic finisher with 5 knockouts and 3 submissions in his professional record. The younger fighter has displayed explosive striking and a knack for capitalizing on opponents' mistakes. While he has shown promise, Taveras has also faced adversity, including two knockout losses.
Taveras’ primary strengths are his explosive power and finishing ability, whether through strikes or submissions. His aggression and willingness to engage make him a dangerous opponent in the early rounds. However, his susceptibility to knockouts and limited experience against high-level competition could pose significant challenges, particularly against a seasoned veteran like Grant.
Last Five Fights:
1. Win vs. Serhiy Sidey – Decision (Split) at UFC 297 (Jan 20, 2024)
2. Win vs. Cortavious Romious – TKO (Punches) at DWCS 2023: Week 10 (Oct 10, 2023)
3. Loss vs. Serhiy Sidey – TKO (Punches) at DWCS 2023: Week 5 (Sep 5, 2023)
4. Win vs. James Dunn – TKO at Combat Night: Duval (May 6, 2023)
5. Win vs. Charles Bennett – TKO at Combat Night: Orlando (Mar 4, 2023)
Prediction
This matchup comes down to experience versus youthful explosiveness. Grant’s grappling and veteran savvy give him a significant edge if the fight goes to the ground. Taveras, however, has the speed and power to trouble Grant on the feet, especially in the early rounds.
If Grant can weather the initial storm and impose his grappling, he should secure a submission victory. Otherwise, Taveras’ striking may overwhelm the veteran.
Pick: Davey Grant by second-round submission.
