LAS VEGAS – Grant Dawson is aiming high following his most recent UFC win.
The 27-year-old UFC lightweight is in search of big names after his late buzzer stoppage win over Leonardo Santos at Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 21. Dawson (17-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) knocked out Santos with one second remaining in the fight.
Now with five straight wins since joining the UFC, Dawson thinks it’s time to start dipping his feet in higher profile bouts.
“It’s legends and rankings from here on out,” Dawson told reporters at the UFC on ESPN 21 post-fight press conference. “I want to fight guys that are ranked and guys that have big names. I don’t think that I’ve proven myself quite yet at 155. I think that a win over Clay Guida, especially after him saying he’s the one who said ‘I want to fight a young up-and-comer at 155 and somebody with less than 10 UFC fights.’ I’m your guy Clay Guida.
“I’m hurt – my leg is bruised up – but I will make time for you. I will make time. I’ll wait until these are healed, and I will cut weight and fight you. I’ve already beat up two guys from his camp. He’s got the opportunity to get it back for them. I’m the guy.”
But the callout of Guida wasn’t the only thing that made headlines for Dawson on Saturday. Dawson’s finish right before the buzzer had many talking online. Although it may seem an unlikely outcome, Dawson said he knew he could put away Santos at any point in time.
“I feel like I’m one of the most dangerous guys in the UFC,” Dawson said. “I feel like I’m dangerous from Round 1 to 3, and that’s a tribute to my cardio, conditioning team, my coaches. I feel like I can finish the fight at any time, and I proved that (Saturday).”
