Grant Dawson vs. Rafa Garcia – Fight Preview & Analysis

UFC Fight Night 244: Royval vs. Taira is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 12, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. In this matchup on the fight card, Grant “KGD” Dawson will take on Rafa “Gifted” Orolbai in the Lightweight bout. You can view the complete UFC Fight Night 244 card.

Dawson brings a unique switch fighting stance with an 72″ reach. In contrast, Orolbai, an orthodox fighter, stands with a 70″ reach. These variations in their styles can have a significant impact inside the Octagon.

With a 52% striking accuracy, Dawson has shown his precision in landing significant strikes, averaging around 2.98 per minute. On the other hand, Orolbai boasts a 42% striking accuracy, landing approximately 4.19 significant strikes per minute.

In this post, we will break down Grant Dawson vs. Rafa Garcia matchup. Let’s take a look at the fighter’s ages, their height, records, reach, fight stats, and more below ⤵

The 30-year-old, Grant Dawson is coming in with a 21-2-1 record. Dawson will be fighting for the first time since a win via unanimous decision against Joe Solecki at UFC 302: Makhachev vs. Poirier in June.

Orolbai, meanwhile, is coming off a unanimous decision win against Grant Dawson on June 1, 2024, at UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Allen and holds a 16-3-0 record.

Grant Dawson has a switch fighting stance with an 72″ reach. The 30-year-old Rafa Garcia is an orthodox fighter with a 70″ reach. An orthodox fighter stands with their left side forward and jabs with their left hand. The southpaw fighter is the opposite. Southpaw stands with their right side forward and jabs with their right hand. In most cases, orthodox fighters are right-handed; if you are left-handed, you fight southpaw.

Grant Dawson stats

→ Dawson’s striking accuracy is 52%.
→ Dawson lands 2.98 significant strikes per minute.
→ Dawson’s takedown accuracy is 38%.
→ Dawson’s takedown average is 3.61 per 15 minutes.
→ Dawson’s takedown defense is 57%.

Dawson comes in with 52% striking accuracy, typically landing about 2.98 significant strikes every minute. Conversely, Orolbai fires at 42% accuracy, landing about 4.19 significant strikes per minute. Grant Dawson also has a 38% takedown accuracy and, on average, gets around 3.61 takedowns every 15 minutes, compared to Orolbai’s 3.61 takedowns and 79% takedown accuracy.

Rafa Garcia stats

→ Orolbai’s striking accuracy is 42%.
→ Orolbai lands 4.19 significant strikes per minute.
→ Orolbai’s takedown accuracy is 44%.
→ Orolbai’s takedown average is 3.61 per 15 minutes.
→ Orolbai’s takedown defense is 79%.

Rafa spent, on average, 14:16 minutes in the Octagon, and Grant has an average fight time of 11:26 minutes.

Considering their records, fighting styles, and recent performances, this matchup looks to be an interesting clash of skills and strategies. Who will come out victorious, Grant or Rafa? Sound off in the comments.

You can view the scheduled UFC Fight Night 244 fight card, upcoming UFC schedule 2024, and latest MMA news.