Davey Grant: From Kickboxing to the UFC, story you should know

Davey Grant is an English mixed martial artist known for his tenacity and determination in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Despite facing various challenges, Grant's journey in MMA has been characterized by resilience and impressive performances.

Early Passion for Combat Sports

Grant's interest in combat sports began at the age of 14 when he started kickboxing training. As he delved deeper into the world of martial arts, he later ventured into grappling, and at the age of 15, he had his first amateur fight. Alongside his MMA training, Grant also played football and rugby during his teenage years, showcasing his versatility in sports.

The Turning Point

At 21, Grant decided to take his passion for martial arts seriously and pursued a career as a professional fighter. It all started with a friendly bet with his mates, where he won a fight to prove that he had indeed trained in MMA. This experience ignited his desire to compete at a higher level and embark on a journey that would ultimately lead him to the UFC.

TUF 18: A Platform for Recognition

Grant's skills and determination caught the attention of the UFC, and he was selected as one of the cast members for The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate in 2013. Although he made it to the final, facing off against Chris Holdsworth, he fell short in securing the bantamweight title of TUF 18. Nevertheless, his impressive performance earned him a UFC contract.

UFC Debut and Injuries

In November 2013, Grant made his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale against Chris Holdsworth. Unfortunately, he lost the bout via a rear-naked choke in the second round. In the following years, Grant faced significant setbacks due to injuries, including torn meniscus, ankle issues, and back injuries, causing a 25-month hiatus from competition.

Resurgence and Memorable Wins

Despite the challenges, Grant made a triumphant return to the Octagon on February 27, 2016, defeating Marlon Vera via unanimous decision. He continued to showcase his skills with a submission loss to Damian Stasiak, where he displayed incredible resilience, refusing to tap despite feeling his arm crack during the armbar attempt.

Grant earned notable victories against Grigory Popov via a split decision and Martin Day with a knockout in the third round, earning him the Performance of the Night award. His impressive performances and exciting fighting style garnered him the Fight of the Night award in the bout against Marlon Vera and Adrian Yanez.

Future Prospects

With his recent victory against Louis Smolka at UFC on ESPN 36 and an impressive submission win against Raphael Assunção at UFC Fight Night 221, Grant continues to make waves in the Bantamweight division. Scheduled to face Daniel Marcos on July 22, 2023, at UFC on ESPN+ 82, Grant looks to build on his success and solidify his position among the top contenders in the UFC.

David Grant's journey in the UFC has been a testament to his dedication, overcoming injuries, and showcasing his skillset in the Bantamweight division. With a strong will and impressive performances, Grant remains a fighter to watch out for, and fans eagerly anticipate his future bouts in the world's premier mixed martial arts organization.

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