[autotag]Grant Dawson[/autotag] says he requested to fight [autotag]Chas Skelly[/autotag].
His wish was granted when the two featherweights were booked to fight at UFC 246.
Dawson (14-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) said he keeps a close eye on all of his 145-pound counterparts. After he saw Skelly (18-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC) defeat Jordan Griffin at UFC on ESPN+ 16 in September, he knew whom he wanted to fight next.
“I watch a lot of film on everybody in my division,” Dawson told MMA Junkie. “After his fight with Jordan Griffin, I knew that was the fight we (wanted). We actually asked for this fight. They gave it to us, and now I’m going to go in and show why we wanted it.”
But why, exactly, did he want Skelly? What did Dawson see in the Texan’s recent performances that made him crave the matchup?
“Easy money, that’s why,” Dawson said. “I feel like Chas is a lesser version of myself. I feel like he has a lot of fights in the UFC, but everybody that he beat is no longer in the UFC. Everybody he’s lost to has really just blown him out of the water. This is a great fight for me to show what I can do.”
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Dawson has boosted his drive and motivation by setting yearly goals. Entering 2020, he’s already mapped out where he hopes to be this year, next year and even 2022.
“My goal for the end of 2020 is to be ranked in the top 15,” Dawson said. “My goal for 2021 is to be in the top five. My goal for 2022 is to be the world champion. I’ve got everything laid out. There’s going to be bumps and bruises along the way, but it’s going to go my way. I’m going to break through with a great year in 2020, and then it’s just going to be uphill from there.”
Dawson thinks fans are in for a treat when he steps into the cage to fight Skelly. Pressure will be a major part of his strategy, and his prediction is a late submission.
“I think he’s tough,” Dawson said. “I think he’ll definitely hang around, but I do see myself making him quit. Close to that third round, I think I’m going to get that submission.
“You’re going to see constant pressure. A lot of people don’t like to pressure him because of his wrestling. I’m not afraid of his wrestling. He’s going to try to outwrestle me and I’m going to try outfight him. I’m going to come forward. I’m going to push a hard pace. I’m just going to keep smashing my elbow into his face until he gets up.”
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UFC 246 takes place Jan. 18 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.
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