November 04, 2022 12:06 PM
Last modified date: November 04, 2022 12:07 PM
Ewan Lavender

MMA Preview – Grant Dawson vs Mark Madsen at UFC Vegas 64

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

GRANT DAWSON VS MARK MADSEN FACTS

When is UFC Fight Night 214? Saturday 5th November, 2022 - 21:00 start (UK)

Where is UFC Fight Night 214? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)

Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 214? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night

What channel is UFC Fight Night 214 on? BT Sport 2

Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 214? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website

For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!

GRANT DAWSON VS MARK MADSEN LOWDOWN

Desperate for a fight, Grant Dawson (18-1-1) steps up to fill in for Drakkar Klose who unfortunately did his ACL. He is unbeaten in his last 10 and after winning his first four UFC fights, he decided to move up to lightweight and has looked even better. He knocked out Leonardo Santos (2021) with a second to spare and then fought to a draw with Ricky Glenn (2021). He then met Jared Gordon back in April and pulled off a vintage submission – the 12th of his career.

Mark Madsen (12-0) is just happy to remain on the card. He makes his fifth UFC appearance and is still protecting his unbeaten record. He has had to work very hard to keep it battling close decisions with Austin Hubbard (2020), Clay Guida (2021) and Vinc Pichel back in April. Klose would have been a very tough fight and has a short time to prepare for Dawson who is likely to be his toughest test so far.

GRANT DAWSON VS MARK MADSEN PREDICTION

This is a battle between two grapplers but two very contrasting grapplers. Madsen is an Olympic silver medallist in Greco-Roman wrestling and Dawson is a top tier MMA grappler who combines his wrestling and jiu-jitsu seamlessly.

Madsen will back his wrestling to control Dawson against the cage or on the floor nullifying his jiu-jitsu. However, he has to respect Dawson’s skills as he is the bigger man with dangerous jiu-jitsu and also has better cardio, so he will need to be focused for the full three rounds.

Dawson is the more complete fighter and if their grappling cancels each other out forcing a stand-up battle, you have to back him. Madsen is a lifelong competitor at the highest level, but he does not have the same experience in striking.

So, Madsen’s route to victory is wrestling Dawson for three rounds which is easier said than done. Madsen is the underdog, so a decision is the smart bet especially as Dawson has taken this on short notice.

However, we are leaning slightly towards Dawson who is bigger, younger and if this goes past the first round, he will finish stronger with the better gas tank.

Prediction: Dawson via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)

Value Bet: Madsen via Decision

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