Lightweight action was in the spotlight in the UFC Vegas 76 co-main event on Saturday, as Grant Dawson threw down with Damir Ismagulov.
Dawson was undefeated inside the octagon coming into Saturday, with his biggest struggles coming at the scale — though he hit the mark during Friday’s official weigh-in. Ismagulov for his part was coming off his first loss under the UFC banner, against Arman Tsarukyan. “Qazaq” entered the bout ranked 12 in the division, with Dawson not too far behind at 15.
“KGD” managed to bring the fight to the ground early, locking Ismagulov in a tight body triangle while threatening a rear-naked choke – a submission that Dawson has employed successfully in each of his last two fights.
Following a dominant first frame for the American, Ismagulov began to lead the action early into the second round. Following a few exchanges on the feet, Dawson was able to force Ismagulov’s back against the cage before taking him down to the mat for the second time.
Dawson would control Ismagulov for nearly the entirety of the second and third rounds, taking his opponent down with ease and showcasing his prowess on the ground in various dominant positions.
Grant Dawson sent a message to the rest of the lightweight division with a flawless exhibition of wrestling and jiu-jitsu, dismantling a game opponent in Ismagulov en route to a unanimous decision victory.
Dawson, 29, extends his undefeated UFC record to an impressive 8-0-1 – with nine victories in the promotion including his win on Dana White’s Contender Series. He called out a pair of ranked lightweights following an exceptional performance.
“Tony Ferguson — that’s a go because it’s a big name. Beneil Dariush — that’s a go because it’s a big rank,” Dawson said.
Ismagulov finds himself on a two-fight skid following a hot 5-0 start to his UFC career. This was the last fight on his UFC contract and it will be interesting to see whether he attempts to resign with the promotion or hang up the gloves for good after retiring momentarily late last year.
Official Result: Grant Dawson def. Damir Ismagulov by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
