Davey Grant Overcomes Slow Start, Beats Da’Mon Blackshear

Bantamweights Davey Grant and Da’Mon Blackshear collided as part of Saturday’s UFC Abu Dhabi prelims at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Grant, coming off a win over Ramon Taveras, was running into Blackshear while he was on a streak, having won three straight.

Blackshear went after a takedown early, landing it, and while Grant would make it back up, Blackshear would land a second one a short time later. At that point, the owner of a rare Twister submission in the UFC was able to take the back, hooks in. With 90 seconds still in the clock, Blackshear went after the rear-naked choke, more of a crank at that point. Grant fought it off, but Blackshear still had over a minute to work.

Round two played out more on the feet, giving Grant a chance to win back some minutes. As the round progressed, he began to put on the pressure, attacking at angles, mixing in kicks, and threatening with his power shots. Blackshear’s output was minimal, and he saw a takedown attempt stuffed with about 90 seconds left. After that, Davey Grant got his hands going again, though Blackshear would walk him down for a bit. Still, Grant was out-landing Blackshear and had more behind his shots.

The third round picked up where the second had left off. Playing out on the feet, with Grant having more in the striking department. When Blackshear committed to a takedown near the halfway mark, he came close, but Grant showed he was no slouch in the takedown defense department, sprawled, and stuffed it. From there, Grant let his hands go, firing lefts and rights as Blackshear covered up alongside the cage. Grant was showing a trail of blood from one shin, either from checking a kick or landing one, but his mobility didn’t seem hampered.

After a strong start by Blackshear, 39-year old Davey Grant stormed back, securing the unanimous decision after 15 minutes.

Official Result: Davey Grant def. Da’Mon Blackshear by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)