UFC on ABC 9: Davey Grant vs Da’Mon Blackshear

Davey Grant’s clash with Da’Mon Blackshear at UFC on ABC 9 in Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025, delivered a three-round story of resilience and momentum shifts. Blackshear set the tone early by dragging Grant into deep grappling waters, quickly taking his back and locking in control with both hooks. For nearly a minute and a half he hunted the rear-naked choke, forcing the veteran Englishman to dig deep and defend against the suffocating pressure without finding a way back to his feet until the round ended. That opening frame looked like a nightmare start for Davey Grant, who left the stool needing a complete reset.

The second round told a different story. Grant found his rhythm in striking exchanges, using his experience to change the tempo with steady combinations, body kicks, and smarter footwork that denied Blackshear the angles he wanted for his wrestling. Whenever the American shot for takedowns, the veteran sprawled effectively and forced the contest back into open space, where his hands began to take over. By the close of the round, the momentum had swung and the scorecards were back in play.

In the final round, Grant made sure the fight stayed standing. His pressure and combinations forced Blackshear to shoot again, but every attempt was stuffed as Grant’s timing and defense shone through. Sharp counterpunches and well-placed body shots accumulated as the minutes ticked away, leaving Blackshear unable to mount another serious grappling threat. The once-tight contest had become Grant’s fight, capped off with a clean stretch of offense that silenced any debate when the scorecards were read.

All three judges scored it 29–28 for Davey Grant, a result that snapped his recent losing skid and reminded fans of his grit even at 39 years of age. Blackshear’s early dominance on the mat wasn’t enough to carry him through the late rounds, and Grant’s ability to stay composed, defend submissions, and gradually impose his stand-up game defined the outcome. It was a bout that showcased the fine line between control and adaptation, with Grant proving that a slow start can still end in a decisive victory when experience and cardio take over.