LAS VEGAS – Davey Grant knows UFC rematches at the non-championship or main event level aren’t common. So for that reason he’s surprised to be running it back with Marlon Vera at UFC on ESPN 25.
However, Grant (12-4 MMA, 4-3 UFC) more than welcomes the opportunity to beat Vera (16-7-1 MMA, 10-6 UFC) against on Saturday’s card after winning the first fight by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 84 in February 2016.
Despite losing the initial encounter, “Chito” has elevated his stock and name value significantly in the more than five years since. Because of that, Grant is thrilled for another chance to showcase his skills.
“I was over the moon,” Grant told MMA Junkie of the booking at Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 25 media day. “Marlon’s been on a great run. He’s ranked top-15 in the world, and that’s where I want to be. So, I just want to keep trying to get these ranked opponents. That’s the plan.”
Grant is currently riding a three-fight winning streak, but it includes just one fight in 2021, 2020 and 2019. He gets his quickest turnaround in more than eight years in this fight, and he hopes it’s the momentum he needs to become a relevant name in the bantamweight division.
“Hopefully I’ll go and get the win and work my way up into the top 15,” Grant said. “And then further.”
UFC on ESPN 25 takes place at the UFC Apex. The entire card airs on ESPN2 and streams on ESPN+.
The hear more from Grant, watch his complete UFC on ESPN 25 media day interview above.
Davey Grant ‘over the moon’ for chance to beat Marlon Vera again at UFC on ESPN 25