Grant Dawson is not about to stroll away from the UFC 328 guess. The American Prime Staff light-weight will tackle Mateusz Lembecki on Could 9 on the Prudential Heart in Newark, New Jersey, and the stakes are excessive for each males at 155 kilos. Dawson enters with a 23-3-1 document and Lembecki enters with a 20-4 document, and every has hung out constructing momentum in one of many UFC’s deepest divisions.
Grant Dawson talks about Mateusz Lembecki at UFC 328
In a current unique interview with Mike Owens of Low Kick MMA, Dawson defined the combat in easy phrases. He desires individuals to stroll away with a unique view of him. he stated:
“Grant Dawson is healthier than we thought.” That is it. Your followers are all the time evaluating you. I would like individuals to say, “Okay, let’s give this man a giant title and see what he does.” I’ve dropped the ball just a few instances, which is my fault, however I nonetheless really feel like I have not had an actual probability. I would like the possibility to point out individuals and myself how good I’m. ”
Dawson has had some sturdy wins within the UFC, together with wins over Damir Ismagulov, Jared Gordon, Carlos Diego Ferreira, Rafa Garcia, and Joe Solecki. He additionally defeated Diego Ferreira by unanimous choice at UFC 311 in January 2025. On the similar time, his losses have formed the best way followers view him, particularly a fast knockout loss to Bobby Inexperienced in 2023 and a stoppage loss to Manuel Torres in his most up-to-date setback.
Dawson did not shrink back from that a part of the story. He has been candid about criticism of his sturdiness, saying he understands why some followers give attention to it. He acknowledged that every one of his losses had been by knockout, whereas additionally declaring that nobody had ever crushed him and defeated him in a full combat. That realization prompted him to regulate his preparations. Dawson stated he modified his sparring habits throughout camp and is doing tougher rounds than earlier than as a result of he believes there must be a steadiness between defending the physique and getting ready for an evening combat.
“Yeah, they name me ‘glass jawed’ and that is actually humorous. I take a look at the feedback and stoop my shoulders. However in a approach it isn’t unsuitable. The one factor I’ve misplaced is a knockout. Nobody has ever outsmarted me. I’ve by no means been submissive or appeared silly throughout a match. The one factor I’ve misplaced is been clipped. So perhaps there’s one thing to it. However Justin Gaethje received knocked out.” it is a part of the sport. ”
The matchup with Lembecki added an additional layer. The 2 have educated collectively prior to now by means of their ATT relationship, however Dawson stated Lembecki stayed in Poland for this camp, a choice that made sense. He expects a tricky combat, not a cautious one. In a separate interview, Dawson described Lembecki as the kind of fighter who retains urgent whatever the rating.
“It is a battle. I count on him to not again down. I count on him to be very tough to beat, very tough to include. I’ll attempt, however it will be tough. I believe this man has good coaching companions and I believe he has a extremely good recreation plan for him. I am predicting a battle, however I’ve anticipated a battle earlier than and made it look straightforward, and I anticipated a simple combat that wasn’t straightforward. On the finish of the day. Simply go and combat that day.”
Polish light-weight Lembecki has constructed a status for fast-paced fights and has earned a number of post-fight bonuses within the UFC. He has wins over the likes of Loik Radjabov and Miktibek Olorubai, and his model normally forces exchanges. In distinction, Dawson has lengthy relied on wrestling and management, with 13 submission wins and a observe document of clinching matches when he can set up a takedown.
There is a motive Dawson sees UFC 328 as greater than a rebound combat. He stated a detailed choice win may not make a lot of a distinction, however a end might. In his view, such a consequence would push him again towards the highest 15 and put him inside vary of massive names he believes he hasn’t had an opportunity to play in opposition to but.
“Even when I win a battle with a break up choice, it could not appear superb to me. However I believe it could imply so much to me if I might end this man off. Chris Duncan could not end him off. He has overwhelmed good gamers, however not many might take him out. If I can beat this man and end, I believe I can get nearer to the highest 15. Maybe a prime 15 battle can be set subsequent. However at this level, dropping is way worse than profitable is nice, so I simply need to get again within the win column and begin constructing a profitable streak once more.“
