Don’t expect fireworks from “KGD”.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) #13 lightweight contender, Grant Dawsonreturns to action against rapidly rising Mexican prospect, manuel torresin the “featured” preliminary fight of UFC 323, which will take place this weekend (Sat., Dec. 6, 2025) inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Aside from his only setback in the UFC: a 33-second knockout loss to Green King – Dawson has been almost perfect inside the octagon. Still, the biggest knock on him is that he’s boring, a label that dwarfs the six finishes he’s earned in the promotion to date.
Dawson doesn’t see it that way. For him, it’s not boring… it’s smart.
“If Grant Dawson raises his hand on December 6, how would you say he won?” Dawson asked the reporter: James Lynchin a recent interview.
When Lynch responded “decision,” Dawson agreed.
“Put him down, hump his leg,” Dawson said. “This isn’t a criticism, but I’m impressed. I think his longest fight is four minutes and two seconds. That’s how dangerous this guy is. He lives by the sword, he dies by the sword. Either he gets finished in the first round, or he takes people out in the first round. I’d love to finish in the first round, but I don’t see it going that way.
“We’re planning to play this fight super, super smart,” Dawson added. “Super, super smart. When I fought Bobby Green, the game plan was faster in the first round and I ended up getting pinned. That’s not the case in this one. We’re going to be safe, clean. I’m going to make him fight me the way I want him to fight me.”
Dawson isn’t likely to win over new fans with a risk-averse game plan, nor will he jump into the title picture anytime soon. But he knows the way: keep winning until the UFC can’t deny him. And with three consecutive victories, he is on the right track.
