Grant Dawson KGD

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Fighter bio

Grant Dawson – General Profile

Grant "KGD" Dawson is an American lightweight fighter in the UFC, recognized for his dominant grappling, relentless pace, and evolving striking game. Born on February 20, 1994, in Cambria, Wisconsin, Dawson began his professional MMA career with a strong foundation in wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which remains central to his fighting style.

Fighting out of American Top Team, Dawson has steadily risen through the UFC ranks, known for grinding out opponents and maintaining a high finish rate.

MMA Career

Grant Dawson made a name for himself on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2017, where he earned a UFC contract with a dominant submission victory. Since then, he’s been steadily building his resume in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions.

His UFC run has featured wins over notable fighters such as Jared Gordon, Leonardo Santos, and Mark Madsen, showcasing his ability to control fights with elite grappling and cardio. Dawson is known for his fight IQ and consistent pressure, often overwhelming opponents on the ground with positional dominance and submission threats.

Although he suffered a setback in a main event bout against Bobby Green, Dawson remains a top prospect with plenty of upside in the lightweight division.

Personal Life

Grant Dawson grew up with a strong work ethic and competitive nature, which he channeled into wrestling before transitioning to MMA. He has trained under respected coaches and has spent time at gyms like Glory MMA and later American Top Team, refining his all-around game.

Outside of fighting, Dawson is known for his humility, dedication to training, and passion for the sport. He often credits his coaches, teammates, and wife for supporting his journey in MMA.

Fighting Style

Dawson’s style is built around wrestling pressure, top control, and submissions. He excels at chaining takedowns, riding opponents, and maintaining control once the fight hits the mat. His jiu-jitsu complements his wrestling, making him a constant submission threat from dominant positions.

While his striking is still developing, Dawson has shown improvements in his stand-up game, using it effectively to close distance and set up takedowns. His conditioning allows him to maintain a grueling pace, often wearing down opponents over three rounds or more.

Recent Developments

Grant Dawson continues to compete among the UFC’s lightweight contenders. Despite his loss to Bobby Green, he remains a dangerous fighter with the skills and potential to bounce back and climb the rankings again.

With his relentless grappling style and commitment to growth, "KGD" is expected to remain a tough matchup in the division and a fighter to watch in the coming years.