Manuel Torres turned in a stunning knockout finish earlier tonight (Sat., Dec. 6, 2025) at UFC 323 LIVE on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, stopping No. 13-ranked
lightweight Grant Dawson with a violent first-round TKO (punches).
Dawson was a sizeable betting favorite entering this lightweight affair and for good reason. The battle-tested contender had only lost once in 13 trips to the Octagon and brought a three-fight win streak with him into this weekend. Many thought Dawson would be able to utilize his strong wrestling once again and grind out a decision win or find a home for a submission.
Unfortunately for Dawson, he didn’t get a chance to work his top game or even really get close to Torres. That’s because Torres stayed patient on the feet and shrugged off Dawson’s first two takedown attempts. Torres eventually found his window of opportunity and unloaded a massive left hand inside that slumped Dawson and had him covering up on the ground. It took a little extra ground-and-pound from Torres before the referee stepped in for the stoppage.
Check out the video highlights below and let us know where this performance lands Torres in a crowded lightweight division!
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