Grant Dawson (14-1) vs. Darrick Minner (D) (24-10)
Narrative: Oh karma, you cruel mistress. Darrick Minner is stepping up on short notice to take on Grant Dawson at UFC Norfolk. Minner has had a lengthy career on the regional scene, but struggled in steps up in competition. Getting the nod short notice led to Dawson claiming Minner didn’t belong in the big leagues. Then Dawson went and missed weight Friday, by 3.5lbs. He coughs up 30% of his purse as a result.
Shawn Bitter: This is a fight that favors the style of Minner with Dawson being primarily a wrestler. Dawson is a very good wrestler though who has bested other BJJ guys. His positional grappling, pressure, and pace really break his opponents’ will. No doubt Minner will be on his back in this fight but the danger of him on his back is always there. Dawson just has to be aware of positions on top and he will get this win.
Max Freedman: Minner will absolutely come out guns blazing and go for broke like he does every fight. But his kill-or-be-killed style will lead to his downfall when Dawson takes over and gets a stoppage in round 2. Dawson SUB (2).
Kristen King: It’s awesome to see Darrick Minner finally get his shot in the UFC, and fortunately, I think he picks up a win against Grant Dawson. Minner and Dawson have very similar fighting styles, but I think Minner has the advantage as far as his jiu-jitsu is concerned. While Dawson will no doubt look to keep the pressure on Minner from the top position, Minner is comfortable off of his back. If Dawson makes a misstep in any way, I can see Minner getting a submission in the first round.
Anthony Walker: N/A
Keith Shillan: Dawson
Marcel Dorff: Darrick Minner is a man who fought on almost every regional MMA show. He came up short during the DWCS last summer against Herbert Burns but won two fights since losing to Burns. Dawson on the other hand is a huge talent in the UFC. His dominant win over Mike Trizano convinced me he might be a problem in the division for many fighters. I expect Dawson to finish the fight in the first round.
Ryan Fortune: Dawson
Daniel Vreeland: Dawson
