Grant Dawson showcased elite back control and back-taking ability in his victory over Mateusz Rebecki at UFC 328, with analysts comparing his grappling prowess to fighters like Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling. Rebecki contributed to his own downfall by initiating the grappling exchanges, playing into Dawson's strengths. Despite the victory, Dawson continues to show defensive vulnerabilities in striking, with loose body language and poor punch resistance. The win improves Dawson's UFC record to 12-2-1, having won dozens of rounds through control and securing his fifth rear-naked choke, putting him on pace to eventually challenge submission records held by fighters like Demian Maia, Michael Chiesa, and Renato Moicano.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
