UFC Lightweights Grant Dawson vs. Rafa Garcia squared off earlier tonight (Sat., Oct. 12, 2024) at UFC Vegas 98 LIVE on ESPN/ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. In a dominant win, Dawson secured the second-round knockout win.
Dawson won this fight in very dominant fashion. He had to work for his first takedown of the fight, but once he got on top, he was in complete control. Dawson was methodical in advancing position and chipping away with ground strikes, resulting in a worn out and frustrated Garcia by the end of round one.
The second takedown came much easier for Dawson, and it proved the final one. He landed a nasty elbow from within the guard that split Garcia open, prompting the wrestler to move. As Garcia tried to scramble, Dawson quickly advanced into back mount/mount and flattened him out.
Garcia was fully stuck, absorbing punches until the referee opted to save him.
Check out the final moments below:
Grant Dawson, that was EASY #UFCVegas98 pic.twitter.com/8eFPrSL18H
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) October 13, 2024
This is an excellent performance from Dawson, a clear step up in violence from previous victories. Really, it was close to a flawless win, and his performance on the mic afterward wasn’t half-bad either! He’s rebounded well from his shocking knockout loss to Bobby Green, and it’s likely time to give him another chance to climb the Lightweight rankings.
For complete UFC Vegas 98 results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.