Lightweights co-headline in Sin City.
Russia’s Damir Ismagulov makes his return against Grant ‘KGD’ Dawson at UFC Vegas 76. Imsagulov had a short-lived retirement after losing to Arman Tsarukyan but he’s active again, attempting to bounce back in style. Dawson, on the other hand, has dreams of extending his win streak to 11.
Round 1:
Dawson throws out the jab. Dawson goes for a takedown which is easily stuffed by Ismagulov. Ismagulov cracks Dawson with a punch. Dawson grabs a takedown on Ismagulov. Dawson gets side control and then seizes the back of Ismagulov. The American hunts for the rear-naked choke while having Ismagulov trapped in a body triangle.
Dawson racks up minutes of control time maintaining control on the back of Ismagulov. Dawson batters Ismagulov with ground and pound.
CDS: 10-9 Dawson
Round 2:
Ismagulov and Dawson sharpshoot their strikes. Dawson quickly picks up Ismagulov and takes him down softly. Dawson secures the legs of Ismagulov and then grabs the back once again. Ismagulov finds himself trapped in Dawson’s body triangle, too. Dawson keeps looking to snatch up the rear-naked choke but has trouble securing it. Dawson patters Ismagulov with punches.
CDS: 10-9 Dawson
Round 3:
Dawson lands his jab effectively. Dawson takes down Ismagulov with ease. Dawson gets back control with a body triangle once more. Dawson controls Ismagulov’s arms behind his head, stretching him out and making him uncomfortable. Dawson holds the position for the rest of the round, minus the last few seconds where Ismagulov finally reverses position.
CDS: 10-9 Dawson (total score: 30-27)
Official result: Grant Dawson defeats Damir Ismagulov by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Check out the highlights below:
😳 @DawsonGrant20y1 has been in complete control through two rounds! #UFCVegas76 pic.twitter.com/X06imN91Sr
— UFC (@ufc) July 2, 2023
Dominating the ground game for all 15 minutes 😮💨
— UFC (@ufc) July 2, 2023
No doubt about @DawsonGrant20y1 getting his hand raised tonight! #UFCVegas76 pic.twitter.com/kZnM3RoJxZ
