UFC 311: Grant Dawson Tops Carlos Diego Ferreira, Calls for Dariush Fight

Grant Dawson and Carlos Diego Ferreira, UFC 311
Grant Dawson and Carlos Diego Ferreira, UFC 311 ceremonial weigh-in Credit: Gabriel Gonzalez/Cageside Press

Lightweight action kicked off the televised preliminary card at UFC 311 in Los Angeles on Saturday, as Grant Dawson took on Carlos Diego Ferreira.

At 40, Diego Ferreira was still finding success in the cage, with the Brazilian coming off back-to-back wins over Michael Johnson and Mateusz Rebecki. Dawson, a decade younger, had also won two straight to start the night.

Both fighters came out in the orthodox stance with Dawson throwing a wheel kick that partially connected. Dawson pressed forward and shot in for a takedown around the three minute mark of the opening round. Ferreira tried to stand but Dawson was in full control with a bodylock against the fence. Dawson threw a head kick while holding Ferreira’s leg, landing a clean shot while attempting another takedown. Dawson landed three takedowns on five attempts through the first five minutes.

Ferreira showed little to no offense in the first round, but looked to turn the tide in the second. Immediately Ferreira charged forward throwing wild hooks to the head of Dawson. Both fighters exchanged against the fence before Ferreira was able to get the fight to the ground momentarily. Dawson reversed position and ended up on top in full guard. Remaining in top control Dawson was able to land short elbows and light punches to sway the round in his favor.

In the opening moments of the third both fighters collided going for takedowns, getting into a brief grappling exchange before Dawson found his way on top. Again the fight hit the mat in the full guard position with Dawson landing small hammer fists. Referee Frank Trigg stood the fight up and Dawson scored a knockdown with a big right hand. Ferreira popped back up to his feet and returned fire with each fighter landing significant punches. Dawson dug deep and again found a takedown, dumping the longtime UFC veteran on his back. Showing impressive control throughout the contest, Dawson remained on top until the final bell.

With the fight going the distance Dawson was awarded a unanimous decision victory on all three judges scorecards. With Dawson’s only loss coming against Bobby Green in 2023, the young prospect has since rallied with three consecutive wins. Dawson respectfully called for a fight against another UFC veteran in Beneil Dariush, after Dariush was pulled from the UFC 311 card due to the main event change. Asking for a contest in Florida later this spring, Dawson may see himself inside the top fifteen in short order.

Official Result: Grant Dawson def. Carlos Diego Ferreira by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)