The Prelim Breakout Star is a once per event article that helps fans get to know those who will be entertaining them from the undercard. The intention of the article is not to bring attention t the most talented fighter on the preliminary card, but rather one that the common fan may have overlooked or underestimated.
Using the Contender Series for upcoming prospects seems like a slam dunk. In order to prove their superiority, I’m taking a Contender Series alumni over a Ultimate Fighter champion.
Grant Dawson
Nickname – The Prophet
Affiliation – Glory MMA and Fitness
From – Stromsburg, Missouri
Height – 5’10”
Weight – 145 lbs (Featherweight)
Record – 13-1 (1-0 UFC)
What makes him impressive
The most impressive part of the 24-year old’s game is his aggression. It’s not exactly the wild winging shots you’d see out of a Leonard Garcia, but it is relentless pressure combined with high output. In his UFC debut against Julian Erosa he threw 166 strikes, which is over 11 a minute. Combine that with over a takedown per round and he is hard to keep at bay.
Why he has been overlooked
At only 1-0 in the UFC, there isn’t really a body of work to get people all that hyped. Also, because he bounced around a number of regional promotions before finding the Contender Series, he didn’t exactly build up the fan base of someone who dominates in one spot for an extended period of time. That being said, having wins in Titan FC, Shamrock FC and Victory FC is nothing to turn your nose up at.
What makes this a good match-up
Mike Trizano could be criticized for being a bit too patient. While he’s won back to back fights against Luis Pena and Joe Giannetti, both were splits that were hard to call due to large periods of stagnation. Because of the aforementioned aggression of Dawson, Trizano will likely be on the back foot again here. Given that information, there’s a good chance he needs a finish here. And given that each of his last three fights have gone the distance, added with Dawson’s style, there’s a good chance he doesn’t get it.
Prelim Breakout Star Record: 173-72-1 (2 NC) (6 DNF)
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