UFC Bantamweight Davey Grant has achieved his life long ambition of receiving his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt.
Grant was in attendance of his long time friend and training partner, Matt Inman's, seminar at SBG South Shields. Following the seminar, Grant, alongside several others, were then invited onto the mat to take part in an Ironman, whereby they must roll to submission with everyone in attendance.
In his last roll, which was with Inman, Grant receieved his black belt.
Speaking to Fighters Only just minutes after receiving the Black Belt, Grant explained just how much it meant to him. He said:
"Honest, I am absolutely buzzing. It has been a life long dream ever since I was seven years old and walked into a Karate gym but that never worked out. Then to go and get my SBG black belt, I feel like it is extra special, you know. I am absolutely over the moon."
Grant rolled for over 90 minutes by the time he was eventually given his black belt. Discussing the mammoth session, 'Dangerous' admitted he would have done anything in order to get his belt.
"I was very tired, it just turns into pure survival doesn’t it! I would do anything for a black belt. It is more important than any fight and I feel like it is all beginning now you know, I am still just scratching the surface.
The first thing that comes to many people's mind when they think of 'Dangerous' is his knockout power. However, the Bishop Auckland man has a plethora of submission victories across his 13 wins.
Grant signed with the UFC following a very successful spell on season 18 of The Ultimate Fighter. His grappling prowess was clear to see during his time on the show, finishing Danny Martinez and Louis Fisette with an armbar and rear naked choke, respectively.
Since competing in the UFC, Grant has only had one submission victory- but what a win it was. It came against Raphael Assuncao whereby Grant wrapped up an inverted triangle choke, which was nominated for the UFC's submission of 2023, to get the finish just 15 seconds left in the contest.
The SBG Bishop Auckland coach will be looking for an active 2024 and once again re-establish himself as one of the top 15 to compete in the Bantamweight division.
