Grant Dawson wants Paddy Pimblett in London to 'prove that Scousers get knocked out'

Grant Dawson wants the opportunity to stop the hype of UFC lightweight peer Paddy Pimblett.

Dawson (19-1-1 MMA, 7-0-1 UFC), a Dana White’s Contender Series veteran, had an impressive 2022 campaign with stoppages of Jared Gordon and the previously-undefeated Mark Madsen. Now, he’s looking to build even more momentum with a matchup against the increasingly-popular Pimblett (20-3 MMA, 4-0 UFC).

While answering questions from fans for Millions.co, Dawson revealed he is trying to get the matchup to happen at the upcoming UFC card in London.

“I would love to fight against Paddy,” Dawson said. “We are asking for that fight in London, March 18th. I will go to his home turf to fight him, and to prove that Scousers get knocked out.

Pimblett is coming off a controversial unanimous decision win over Jared Gordon at UFC 282, a common opponent with Dawson. While Pimblett may be the number one target on his radar at the moment, Dawson, who currently holds the No. 8 spot in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie lightweight rankings, has a few other names in mind, including a former interim champion, for his next outing if he can’t get the matchup he wants.

“If that doesn’t happen, I’m looking for Tony Ferguson,” Dawson said.” If that doesn’t happen, I’m looking for Dan Hooker. If that doesn’t happen, I don’t know what to tell you. Who else?”

With seven wins in the UFC and no losses, Dawson is knocking on the door of the division’s top contenders. A matchup against Pimblett, Ferguson, or Hooker could give him the momentum he needs to be mentioned in the lightweight title picture.