Grant Dawson thinks his style poses problems for Damir Ismagulov.
Dawson (19-1-1 MMA, 7-0-1 UFC) meets fellow ranked lightweight Damir Ismagulov (24-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC) at UFC on ESPN 48 on July 1 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Ismagulov recently saw his 19-fight winning streak snapped by Arman Tsarukyan. He briefly retired after the loss citing health issues as the cause, before walking his decision back. But even at 100 percent, Dawson is confident he has his number.
“I don’t think he was exposed,” Dawson told MMA Junkie Radio. “He keeps telling people he was sick that night, that he had health issues, and I believe him. I absolutely believe him. However, if we believe him that he was sick that night, and now he’s healthy and 100 percent, the outcome of this fight, there’s no excuses.
“So, if he’s 100 percent – which I believe he is, we go in there and I beat him, there’s no excuses after that. I’m expecting the best Damir Ismagulov, but I think just stylistically, I’m a bad matchup for him.”
Dawson’s UFC career has been impressive so far, but inactivity has halted his momentum. But if he can get past Ismagulov, he expects a big-name opponent next.
“First off I gotta beat Damir,” Dawson said. “And I think a big win over him, especially a finish over him which is what I’m aiming for – I’m definitely expecting this to go three rounds, but obviously if I can get him out of there, I think that’s going to catapult me in front of a couple of people. My plan is to fight somebody in the top 10 by December.
“So I beat Damir, I get ranked top 12, maybe a little bit higher, and then I go for somebody in the top 10. I’m thinking Beneil Dariush. I know that the Chandler and Conor fight isn’t happening. So, if the UFC wants me to keep Chandler warm, that’ll be something that I’m very interested in as well. However, Damir has my undivided attention right now.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 48.
