Grant Dawson delivered the strongest performance of his career, and even then, the best may be yet to come.
Dawson handily defeated Damir Ismagulov in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN 47, showing no signs of struggle or distress against the highly-regarded Ismagulov.
Ismagulov was woefully ineffective against Dawson’s wrestling. In total, Dawson maintained control for a staggering 12 minutes and 24 seconds, scoring three takedowns and dishing out plenty of punishment in the interim.
Dawson outlanded Ismagulov 84-35 in total strikes, leaving no doubt in his dominance. It was a mere formality when the scorecards were read, with Dawson winning by scores of 30-26, and a pair of 30-27 scores.
The win continues Dawson’s impressive run. He has yet to be beaten in the UFC, and his performance is the type of win that will get him in a major fight sooner rather than later. With the majority of the top lightweights fighting each other, a great choice for Dawson would be fighting against Mateusz Gamrot or Bobby Green should beat Tony Ferguson later this month.
With the win, Dawson moves to 20-1-1 overall and is in prime condition to make a move in the division.
Ismagulov, who previously retired after losing to Arman Tsarukyan last year, drops to 24-3 with the loss.
