In the Clinch: Lightweight Dawson vs. Veteran Green, UFC Vegas 80 – Grant Dawson continues to plow forward in the UFC lightweight division.
Dawson (20-1-1), 29, a Dana White Contenders Series alum, is unbeaten in nine fights (8-0-1). He’s No. 10 in the division since debuting in 2019.
Saturday, he meets veteran Bobby Green (30-14-1, 1NC), 37, in his first main event at UFC Vegas 80 at The Apex in Las Vegas.
So far, Dawson’s biggest victories have been submission wins over Jared Gordon and Mark Madsen. He has combined wrestling with good submission skills to tap 65% of his wins. Bobby Green is probably the biggest name he has fought thus far.
Green is coming off a submission win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 291 in July, which snapped a three fight winless skid. Having fought in the octagon for over 10 years, he has proven that he is always a tough out.
In addition to Ferguson, Green has fought current champion Islam Makhachev. Most people focus on his striking, but Green also has a solid wrestling base that could show itself on Saturday.
But at 37, the clock is ticking for Green. In 10 years, he has not secured a title shot and is not currently ranked. He is a gatekeeper for the up and coming like Dawson, but he can flip the script with a win. A bad loss could have him considering retirement.
The lightweight division continues to be stacked. With former champion Charles Oliveira earning a rematch against Makhachev at UFC 294 later this month, the rankings continue to be a logjam.
Dawson will have to soften up Green to utilize the rear-naked choke. He will probably want to avoid the striking battle and control Green while looking for opportunities to get the tap. Green likes to make things exciting. A firefight where he catches Dawson with something would be a trademark victory.
Either way, expect grappling to play a role in the main event.
In the Clinch: Lightweight Dawson vs. Veteran Green, UFC Vegas 80 – More Resources
Grant Dawson
Bobby Green
In the Clinch: Lightweight Dawson vs. Veteran Green, UFC Vegas 80 – Image Gallery
GoGTS.net is happy to feature the thoughts of our contributors. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of GTS Distribution.
- In the Clinch: All Eyes On Pereira & Hill at Historic UFC 300 - April 12, 2024
- In the Clinch: Curtis Excited to Jump in the Rankings, UFC Vegas 90 - April 5, 2024
- In the Clinch: Blanchfield, Fiorot Expecting Title Shot After UFC on ESPN 54 - March 29, 2024