Grant Dawson is eyeing a breakthrough performance when he meets Mateusz Rebecki on the UFC 328 prelims at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Sat., May 9, 2026.
The 32-year-old former Top 15 Lightweight is looking to work his way back into the rankings after a tough recent run. In 2023, Dawson was knocked out in 41 seconds by King Green after entering as a large betting favorite, and he later suffered another first-round loss to Manuel Torres following a three-fight winning streak.
Dawson made clear what he’s chasing now. “I want people to be like ‘alright, let’s give this guy a big name and let’s see how he does,’” he said. “I’ve dropped the ball a couple of times, and that is on me, but I just feel like I haven’t gotten my opportunity yet, like the Michael Chandler’s of the world — the Beneil Dariush’s.”
“I just want my opportunity to show everyone and myself just how good I am,” Dawson added, as he prepares for Rebecki, who has earned Fight of the Night bonuses in each of his last three UFC appearances.
