‘I’m going under the radar in British MMA – I’ll let my fighting do the talking’

Darlington's Davey Grant is more than happy to go under the radar during the upward rise of British MMA – having booked a fight to Las Vegas just seven days before UFC 286 in London.

Nicknamed 'Dangerous', Grant agreed to step in to fight veteran Raphael Assuncao following an injury to Kyler Phillips – with the four weeks of notice not an issue for the bantamweight contender.

Grant, 37, who has a professional record of 14-6, wants to force his way into ranking contention and was willing to miss fighting on the undercard of the trilogy bout between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman to do just that.

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The former Ultimate Fighter star is also more than happy for the likes of Edwards, Molly McCann and Paddy Pimblett to be the British trailblazers, as he aims to do his talking with his fists.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Star Sport on fight week, Grant said: "There's a lot of big stars in UK MMA at the moment and they're all doing really well and getting loads of coverage.

"It's from the stage they are at in their careers and their personalities and I'm perfectly fine with that. I'm just my own person and let my fighting do the talking.

Which bantamweight star would you love to see Davey Grant take on next? Tell us in the comments section below.

"I don't mind flying under the radar and trying to work my way up the rankings. I'm not too bothered about the fame side of things, I like the fights and I like the money!"

Grant will step into the Octagon at The Theater at Virgin Hotels late on Saturday evening (March 11) having initially put his name in the hat to face former champion Cody Garbrandt at UFC 285.

He added: "I had about four weeks notice for this fight but it doesn't bother me. I've been in the gym training hard ready to go – and I was just waiting for a fight.

"There was talk of Cody Garbrant but that didn't materialise, then I got offered Assuncao the week after so that's perfect. That's what I want to be doing at this stage of my career.

"I want the biggest names as possible and the hardest fights as I try and work my way up to a ranking.

"If I go and get a good win over Assuncao, a big name in the division, hopefully that might lead to a top 15 fight next. That would be fantastic."

Although he had eyes on UFC 286 appearance in London next weekend (March 18), Grant is more than happy to get his work done Stateside having knocked out Louis Smolka to return to winning ways in May.

He concluded: "I tried for the London card but it didn't come off, but any fight I'm more than happy to take. Wherever it is against any opponent.

"I've never been one to pick and choose, I want to fight the best guys and I'm really not bothered where I'm fighting – as long as I'm fighting."

Watch Raphael Assuncao vs Davy Grant on the undercard of UFC Fight Night: Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili on exclusively live at 9pm UK time (11pm main card) overnight on Saturday 11 March on BT Sport 2HD and across their digital platforms.

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