Lightweights Grant Dawson and Manuel Torres closed out the UFC 323 prelims on Saturday.
On a three-fight win streak, Dawson had found his footing at 155lbs after a brief run at featherweight in the late 2010s. Torres meanwhile was coming off a win against Drew Dober.
Dawson short in from too far out almost immediately, a rather sloppy effort that did not pay off. Torres worked his hands, and his kicks, taking some heavy swings with the latter. Punching his way in to close the distance, Torres forced Dawson to retreat more than once.
Torres was taking a patient approach despite that success, and it paid off in short order. Dawson missed on his own attack, and Torres countered. About four punches landed, with Dawson moving and off-balance. A left hand did the most damage, dropping Grant Dawson. Torres pounced, landing hammer fist after hammer fist as Dawson covered up. That was enough for the ref to call it, giving Manuel Torres his second straight win, and fifth finish in six UFC fights.
In 17 career wins, Torres has 16 first round stoppages, a statistic highlighted by Joe Rogan in Torres’ post-fight interview on Saturday. “I’m so happy. I’m happy with the opportunity,” stated Torres, thanking his team and fans.
Official Result: Manuel Torres def. Grant Dawson by TKO, Round 1, 2:25
