“I Am Your Replacement”: Champ Islam Makhachev Put on High Alert After Dominant Grant Dawson Performance at UFC Vegas 76 As Fans and Pros Laud 29-Year-Old

UFC Vegas 76 literally packed a punch with quite a few knockouts and a couple of strong submissions.  Sean Strickland going against Abusupiyan Magomedov was indeed the fight that attracted the crowd at UFC Vegas 76. But the previous fights, especially the co-main event, certainly did not fail to entertain. The fight between the US lightweight contender, Grant ‘KGD’ Dawson, and the fighter from Russia, Damir Ismagulov was one such fight that had fans experiencing a flurry of emotions.

 With 24 wins and just 2 losses, the Russian entered the fight to reclaim his glory after a defeat in his last fight. On the other hand, ‘KGD’ was also on a two-win streak, both via submission by stealthy rear-naked chokes. He was looking to win a third bout by RNC. In the end, Dawson prevailed. The best and unexpected part however came after the fight and MMA fans were all in a tizzy when  Dawson called out Islam Makhachev for a fight.

Grant Dawson issues a warning to Islam Makhachev and outlines his future plans

Soon after securing his ninth undefeated win at the UFC against Damir Ismagulov, Grant Dawson had a bold message for the current UFC Lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev.

“Islam Makhachev you’re the GOAT, but I am your replacement,” Dawson declared in a post-fight interview.

Dawson’s win will definitely translate into a rise in the UFC pecking order but his immediate future remains uncertain as he himself points out. In a post-match interview, Dawson told reporters, “I don’t really know” when asked about how he plans to get the Lightweight belt.

“KGD” also made it clear that he is not interested in fighting any of his American Top Team (ATT) teammates. Dawson is a product of the ATT gym which also boasts amongst its students’ fighters such as Amanda Nunes and Dustin Poirier.

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While it remains to be seen whether Dawson will get a shot at the title, fans and the MMA world at large have reacted with excitement to his win.

MMA world reacts to the UFC Vegas 76 co-main event

Although the fight entertained the MMA world, Dawson’s call-out to Makhachev after his win also garnered a boatload of attention.

Claiming that he was Makhachev’s replacement, the 29-year-old had all eyes on him.

Fans and professionals could not keep calm after witnessing such a strong performance by Dawson. 

Merab Dvalishvili was indeed impressed by Dawson’s grappling prowess.

Chris Curtis seemed to think of the fight as one between two siblings. He believed that Dawson went on with the “big brother hold”.

Even Aljamain Sterling was amazed with the fight.

Henry Cejudo commended ‘KGD’ for his transitions and takedowns.

Fans claimed that the fight ended with total domination, indeed.

While a few netizens believed it to be a boring bout, many stood in its support. 

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What are your thoughts about the fight? Did the fight proceed as per your predictions? Let us know in the comments down below.