Grant Dawson Explains Why He Wants Nurullo Aliev Now

Grant Dawson says he specifically wanted a fight with undefeated lightweight prospect Nurullo Aliev while Aliev still lacks championship-level experience, and the two meet on the UFC 333 prelims this Saturday in Abu Dhabi.

Dawson, fresh off a win over fellow grappler Mateusz Rebecki, turned around quickly to take the Aliev fight and says the matchup appealed to him for reasons beyond style. "Honestly, if I'm going to get a stud like him, I want to get him early," Dawson said. "Let's get this guy before he's got a ton of experience on top of how good he already is."

Why Dawson Likes This Style Matchup

Dawson is glad to face another wrestler instead of a striker after past fights against heavy hitters. "I have nothing but respect for this kid. He's very tough and I'm excited to show that I can wrestle with the wrestlers," he said. "And somebody that wants to grapple the entire time and not spend a lot of time on the feet, sign me up. Sign me up."

That comfort comes from recent experience. He just got through a grueling five-rounder with Rebecki and is diving right back into a grappling-heavy test against Aliev, a fighter he clearly respects but does not fear on the mat. Dawson believes the gap will show up in the small moments. "I think that we see a couple of small, small mistakes that I might be able to capitalize on. I do think that my experience is going to carry me in this fight," he said.

The Records Behind the Confidence

Aliev enters at 12-0 overall and 4-0 inside the UFC, a perfect record built largely on volume wrestling and control time rather than finishes. Dawson, by contrast, carries a 24-3-1 mark and has been fighting top-15 competition for years, which is exactly the experience edge he is banking on.

Betting Angle

Sportsbooks have this one close to a pick'em, with lines hovering around Dawson in the -115 to -125 range and Aliev sitting anywhere from -105 to +105 depending on the book. That tight number reflects how live Aliev's unbeaten record makes him despite being the significant step up in competition. For bettors, Dawson's own framing of the fight, an experienced veteran catching a rising talent before he's fully seasoned, lines up with why the market hasn't fully crowned him the favorite. A fight this grappling-heavy also makes the under worth a look if either man asserts control early.

Dawson and Aliev open the UFC 333 prelims on Paramount+, with the card starting at 10 a.m. ET this Saturday from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do Grant Dawson and Nurullo Aliev fight?

Grant Dawson faces Nurullo Aliev on the UFC 333 preliminary card this Saturday, with the prelims starting at 10 a.m. ET on Paramount+ from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

What are Grant Dawson and Nurullo Aliev's records?

Grant Dawson enters UFC 333 with a record of 24-3-1, while Nurullo Aliev is undefeated at 12-0 overall and 4-0 inside the UFC.

Who is favored in Grant Dawson vs Nurullo Aliev?

The UFC 333 lightweight bout between Grant Dawson and Nurullo Aliev has opened as close to a pick'em, with Dawson a slight favorite around -115 to -125 on most sportsbooks.