Grant Dawson vs. Mateusz Rębecki Set for UFC 328 Lightweight Showdown

The lightweight division continues to deliver thrilling matchups. UFC 328, scheduled for May 9, 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, will feature a compelling clash between Grant "KGD" Dawson and Mateusz "Rebeasty" Rębecki. This bout brings together two accomplished grapplers and fan-favorite fighters, each vying to solidify their position in the highly competitive 155-pound weight class.

Grant Dawson Profile

Grant Dawson (23-3-1 overall, 11-2-1 UFC) steps into the Octagon representing American Top Team, where he's honed a formidable style characterized by relentless pressure and dominant ground control. The 32-year-old Nebraska native boasts significant victories against opponents like Damir Ismagulov, Jared Gordon, and Carlos Diego Ferreira, collecting three Performance of the Night awards in the process. Following a period of bouncing back from recent losses, Dawson is determined to reaffirm his status as a formidable contender in the lightweight division.

Mateusz Rębecki Profile

Facing him will be Mateusz Rębecki (20-4 overall, 4-3 UFC), a powerful athlete from Poland, who trains with both Berserker's Team and American Top Team. "Rebeasty" is renowned for his aggressive fighting approach and spectacular scrambles, having secured notable wins over Myktybek Orolbai, Daguir Imavov, and Loik Radzhabov, alongside three Fight of the Night accolades. As a former FEN champion, Rębecki has been steadily ascending the UFC lightweight ladder and views Dawson as a crucial challenge to enter the elite ranks.

While Dawson vs. Rębecki promises high-octane action, the main event of UFC 328 will feature a middleweight championship showdown between current titleholder Khamzat Chimaev and former champion Sean Strickland. This marquee matchup, also held at the Prudential Center on May 9, 2026, sees Chimaev making his initial title defense as Strickland aims to recapture the prestigious belt.

Given both fighters' current momentum and demonstrated ability to finish fights, the Dawson-Rębecki encounter is poised to be one of the most compelling stylistic battles on the entire UFC 328 lineup. Spectators at the Prudential Center can anticipate a relentless pace and a high probability of one of these athletes securing a performance bonus.