Two Lightweights in the lower echelons of the division's top fifteen rankings are set to light up the Octagon in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN 48 this weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada. Damir Ismagulov of Russia saw his moving train halted for the first time in seven years when he was stopped in his last fight while American Grant Dawson continues to race up the rankings. The pair clash in a fight where the winner will be the most focused fighter on the night.
MMA: UFC Lightweight
Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
Where to watch: ESPN/ESPN+
Date: 2.07.2023. 03.40
Damir Ismagulov
The three-time M-1 Global Lightweight champion joined the UFC in 2018 after dominating the Lightweight division in the M-1 promotion. The Russian fighter, who started training in hand-to-hand combat as a teen, won five consecutive victories in the UFC by decision before being stopped finally by Arman Tsarukyan last December. Surprisingly, the former Russian Cup winner announced retiring from the UFC early this year, citing "health concerns". According to him, the 32-year-old made a U-turn to honor the last fight of his contract a few weeks later. His UFC resume includes victories over Joel Alvarez, Thiago Moises, and Guram Kutateladze.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 32
- Height: 5' 10"
- Reach: 70"
- Record: 24-2
Grant Dawson
After winning his fight in the first season of Dana White's Contender Series 6, Grant Dawson earned a UFC contract. The American Top Team member debuted in the UFC in 2019 and has been unbeaten since. Fighting in both Featherweight and Lightweight, the Black belt in Jiu-Jitsu's strong grappling skills and strength in the Octagon is evident in the number of submissions he has garnered in the promotion. In seven wins, he has won four by rear-naked choke. The 29-year-old has a 7-0-1 record in the UFC.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 29
- Height: 5' 10"
- Reach: 72"
- Record: 19-1
Betting odds
On Bet365, they are both on 1.90 odds. Grant Dawson to win by submission or chokehold is priced at 6 odds on 1XBET and to win by Decision is at 3.6. On Coinplay, Fight to Go the distance is 1.51 odds with a finish at 2.45 odds.