UFC lightweight Grant Dawson secured a last-second UFC win to hand Leonardo Santos his first loss since 2009. The bout was an exciting back-and-forth affair as both Dawson and Santos swung for the fences on many occasions. Chiefly, Grant Dawson’s last-second TKO win helped to put him over several contenders vying for UFC gold.

After securing the fight on the ground, Dawson landed some brutal hammer fists that knocked out Santos’ mouthpiece. The Brazilian was clearly unable to continue following the 14 minutes and 59-second affair that eventually unfolded. Grant Dawson was ahead on the judges’ scorecards. However, he didn’t push his foot off the gas.

UFC staple James Krause who has picked up the role of a Head Coach for several fighters advised Dawson to go hard. The 27-year-old American made sure to push to the boundary, and he’s now on an 8-fight win streak. His last loss came all the way back in April 2016 where he succumbed to punches via Hugh Pulley.

UFC lightweights: Leonardo Santos vs Grant Dawson

Hardcore fight fans had circled the aforementioned match-up as a marquee bout set on the preliminary card. Fans and critics targeted the three-round affair as a potential ‘Fight of the Night’ contender, and it didn’t fail to deliver. The bout was exciting in all aspects and had the makings of a back-and-forth war from the start.

Leonardo Santos has to head back to the drawing board after suffering his first loss since May 2, 2009. He’s 7-0-1 in the UFC thus far and has racked up impressive wins over names such as Kevin Lee and Anthony Rocco Martin. The 18-4 fighter in Santos has definitely established himself as a threat, and he’s a dangerous outing for anyone.

As for Grant Dawson, he’s managed to upset a named lightweight fighter and will hopefully receive some recognition. Additionally, Grant Dawson has racked up 8 straight wins, and he’s still nowhere near the title picture. However, his increasingly impressive skill display will take him a step closer to the top.

What did you make of the last gasp finish at the UFC Apex?

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