Davey Grant (England)
Davey Grant is a veteran English fighter known for his toughness, boxing prowess, and relentless forward pressure. He brings a wealth of UFC experience and has been involved in some of the division’s most thrilling brawls. Grant’s strength lies in his ability to land heavy punches, especially in wild exchanges where he thrives under pressure. His durability and knockout power have earned him several Performance of the Night bonuses in recent years. However, he sometimes struggles against agile opponents who can mix in takedowns and clinch work, exposing his defensive grappling. Despite this, Grant’s warrior spirit and cardio make him dangerous deep into any fight.
Key strengths: heavy hands, high striking output, durable chin
Achievements: multiple UFC bonuses, KO victories over Martin Day and Jonathan Martinez, fan-favorite status for his aggressive style
Da’Mon Blackshear (USA)
Blackshear is a rising talent in the UFC’s bantamweight division, known for his versatile ground game and creative grappling. Hailing from the U.S., he made headlines with his rare twister submission win—only the third in UFC history. His fluid movement and well-rounded MMA foundation make him a tricky opponent to prepare for. While he doesn’t have the same raw knockout power as Grant, he excels in control and transitions on the ground, often suffocating his opponents with positional dominance. His striking is improving, but his true danger lies in how quickly he can change levels and take a fight to the mat.
Key strengths: slick grappling, submission threat, unpredictable fight IQ
Achievements: historic UFC twister win, undefeated in 2023, regarded as a fast-developing talent
Fight Outlook: Davey Grant vs Da’Mon Blackshear
This matchup is a classic striker-versus-grappler contest, with Grant hoping to keep the fight standing and Blackshear aiming to take it to the ground. Grant’s path to victory lies in closing distance early and forcing wild exchanges, where his knockout power can shine. However, if Blackshear successfully times his entries and secures top control, he could neutralize Grant’s offense and methodically wear him down. The bookmakers clearly favor Blackshear (odds ~1.28), indicating confidence in his youth, ground game, and recent form. Still, Grant’s 3.66 underdog status reflects his dangerous power and unpredictability. Expect Grant to look for a knockout in the first two rounds, while Blackshear will likely play the long game, aiming for a decision or submission. A draw remains unlikely given both fighters’ finishing abilities and cardio. Prediction: Blackshear wins by submission in Round 2 or a dominant unanimous decision.