MMA Match Preview: Davey Grant (16-7-0) vs. Da’Mon Blackshear (17-7-1)

Set for the prelims of UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. De Ridder at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, this bantamweight clash between Davey “Dangerous” Grant and Da’Mon Blackshear promises a gritty battle of experience versus momentum. Grant, a battle-tested veteran, faces off against the surging submission ace Blackshear in a stylistic showdown that could steal the spotlight.

Tale of the Tape

Fighter	Davey Grant	Da’Mon Blackshear
Age	39	30
Height	5′8″	5′10″
Reach	69″	72″
Record	16-7-0	17-7-1
UFC Record	8-6	5-3-1
Fighting Style	Pressure striker	Submission grappler

Davey Grant – The Veteran Brawler

Strengths:

High-volume striking (5.25 significant strikes/min)

Durable and composed under pressure

Sneaky submission game (7 career subs)

Recent Form:

Win over Ramon Taveras (Dec 2024)

Loss to Daniel Marcos (Split Dec)

Game Plan:

Push pace and pressure

Target body with overhands and hooks

Defend takedowns and force wild exchanges

Grant thrives in chaos. His ability to rally late and land fight-altering shots makes him dangerous in close rounds. He’s never been knocked out and often drags opponents into gritty brawls where his toughness shines.

Da’Mon Blackshear – The Submission Specialist

Strengths:

Elite grappling (11 submission wins)

Switch stance striking with reach advantage

Slick transitions and back control

Recent Form:

Wins over Cody Gibson (Sub) and Alatengheili (Dec)

Riding a 3-fight win streak before this bout

Game Plan:

Use jab and movement to set up takedowns

Create scrambles and hunt submissions

Avoid prolonged striking exchanges

Blackshear’s unpredictable grappling and improved striking make him a rising threat. He’s one of only three fighters in UFC history to win via twister submission, showcasing his creativity and danger on the mat.

This is a classic clash of styles: Grant’s pressure and power vs. Blackshear’s grappling and reach. If Grant keeps it standing and forces a brawl, he could edge a decision. But if Blackshear secures early takedowns and controls position, expect a submission finish.