Grant Michael Dawson Bio
Grant Michael Dawson is an American mixed martial artist competing in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on February 20, 1994, in Cambria, Wisconsin, Dawson has built a reputation for his wrestling and submission skills since beginning his professional MMA career in 2014.
Early Life and Background
Dawson was born in Cambria, Wisconsin, and spent much of his youth in Stromsburg, Nebraska. Initially aspiring to a career in American football, he took up wrestling to improve his football skills. After realizing his potential was greater in wrestling, he shifted focus entirely to the sport during his high school years. He was homeschooled until his teens and later attended Cross County Community School, where he finished his senior wrestling season with a 40–8 record. Due to dyslexia, Dawson did not pursue college and instead chose to enter mixed martial arts.
Path to MMA
After an amateur record of 8–1, Dawson began his professional MMA career in 2014. He competed with several teams early on, including No Quarter Given and Team Viper / Lincoln MMA, before joining Glory MMA & Fitness. His early professional record was strong, standing at 11–1 before appearing on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he earned a UFC contract following a submission win.
Grant Michael Dawson Career
Early Career (2014–2017)
Dawson started his professional MMA journey in 2014, quickly establishing himself with a series of wins. His wrestling base and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt contributed to his success, particularly through submission victories. His performance on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2017, where he secured a rear-naked choke submission, was a pivotal moment that led to his UFC debut.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2019–Present)
Dawson made his UFC debut in March 2019 with a unanimous decision win over Julian Erosa. He followed this with a notable submission victory against Michael Trizano, earning a Performance of the Night award. Despite a brief USADA-related controversy that delayed a scheduled bout, Dawson continued to demonstrate his grappling prowess and striking improvements. He has secured multiple wins via submission and knockout, including victories over Leonardo Santos and Jared Gordon. Dawson has also faced challenges, such as a majority draw against Ricky Glenn and a knockout loss to Bobby Green in 2023.
American Top Team Era (2022–Present)
Currently training with American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida, Dawson has maintained competitive form in the lightweight division. His recent fights include wins over Mark Madsen and Damir Ismagulov, showcasing his ability to control opponents on the ground and finish fights with submissions or technical knockouts. He continues to be a ranked contender in the UFC lightweight division.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Dawson’s wrestling foundation and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt underpin his grappling dominance. He excels in ground control and submission techniques, often securing rear-naked chokes. His striking has improved over time, contributing to knockout victories. Dawson’s strategic approach and partnership with his team have been key to his success inside the octagon.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key moments in Dawson’s career include earning a UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series, multiple Performance of the Night awards, and maintaining a strong lightweight ranking. His resilience through USADA investigations and ability to rebound from setbacks highlight his professionalism and dedication.
Grant Michael Dawson Career Wins
Dawson has amassed a professional record of 23 wins and 2 losses, with a majority of his victories coming by submission. His grappling skills have been a defining aspect of his career, complemented by decision wins and knockouts.
UFC Highlights
Within the UFC, Dawson has secured numerous submission wins, including notable rear-naked chokes against opponents like Michael Trizano and Jared Gordon. His knockout of Leonardo Santos earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. Dawson’s consistent performances have placed him among the top contenders in the lightweight division.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Dawson compiled an impressive record in regional circuits, showcasing his submission skills and wrestling dominance. His amateur and early professional success laid the foundation for his rise in the sport.
Grant Michael Dawson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Dawson’s family background are limited. There is no public information indicating a family history in professional sports or MMA.
Personal Life
Dawson resides in Coconut Creek, Florida, and trains with American Top Team. Information about his marital status or children is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Dawson remains an active competitor in the UFC lightweight division. He is scheduled to face Manuel Torres at UFC 323 in December. His recent performances have demonstrated his continued evolution as a fighter, with strong ground control and finishing ability. Dawson’s focus on maintaining his ranking and securing key victories positions him as a notable contender in the division’s competitive landscape.