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

“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 bounced back with three straight victories afterward, but another big opportunity slipped away when he was stopped in the first round by rising prospect Manuel Torres (watch highlights).

Now 32 years old, Dawson once again finds himself in a high-stakes matchup.

Rebecki enters UFC 328 riding a reputation as one of the division’s most entertaining fighters, earning “Fight of the Night” bonuses in each of his last three appearances.

For Dawson, the mission is simple: stop fumbling the moment.

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