Lightweights Grant Dawson and Rafa Garcia threw down on the UFC Vegas 98 main card on Saturday, with both men seeking to build or extend modest win streaks.
Dawson was hoping to make it two in a row following a bounce-back win over Joe Solecki, while Garcia had back-to-back wins to start the night. Most recently, he earned a decision over veteran and fan fave Clay Guida. That, however, came over a year ago in April of 2023, adding the long layoff as a possible wrench in the works.
The fight began with a short feeling out period as both men tried to find range. Dawson flashed a few kicks and some hooks at his opponent before shooting in on a single about a minute into the round. Garcia was able to pop up momentarily, but Dawson dragged him back down seconds later. Once in the full guard of his opponent, Dawson rained down hammer fists and landed short strikes to the body. Midway thru the round and Grant started to land some powerful strikes to the head of his opponent in order sneak past his guard. With a minute left in the round, Dawson continued up his attack as Garcia was unable to return undoubtedly losing a lopsided round.
To begin the second round, Grant again went back to his kicks, mixing in teeps, spinning kicks and some knee attempts. As the two fighters exchanged punches, Dawson missed with a wild overhand but was able to use it to land another single leg takedown. Now back in his opponent’s full guard, Dawson again went to work landing ground ‘n pound. This time, Dawson started dropping elbows, with one cutting Rafa badly above his eye. As his opponent leaked blood and desperately tried to cover up by rolling to his stomach, Dawson continued his assault. The ref stepped in shortly after as Garcia was unable to get to his base and was taking a massive amount of sustained damage.
Dawson turned in a fiery post-fight interview after the fight which fired up the APEX crowd. Grant shouted out his team, his wife and boldly predicted that he will be a future UFC champion.
Official Result: Grant Dawson def. Rafa Garcia by TKO, Round 2, 1:42
