UFC 328’s Grant Dawson vows UFC hasn’t given him ‘a real opportunity yet’ – ‘That’s on me’

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 12: Grant Dawson reacts after a TKO victory against Rafa Garcia in a lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on October 12, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

“KGD” wants a bigger shot.

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Top 15 Lightweight Grant Dawson returns to action this weekend (Sat., May 9, 2026) against action-heavy contender and teammate Mateusz Rebecki on the UFC 328 prelims inside Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Dawson is currently trying to fight his way back into the rankings, but in his mind, the bigger issue is that he still hasn’t received the type of opportunity that truly elevates a contender in the loaded Lightweight division.

“I want people to be like ‘alright, let’s give this guy a big name and let’s see how he does,’” Dawson told LowKick MMA recently. “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.”

The frustrating part for Dawson is that the UFC arguably has given him chances to break through.

Back in 2023, Dawson headlined against King Green as a massive betting favorite (-445), seemingly positioned for a statement win — only to get knocked out in just 41 seconds (watch highlights). He , but another big opportunity slipped away when he was stopped in the first round by rising prospect ().