The reason that Grant is putting so much pressure on himself is that he’s walked away from the Octagon in close losses to the likes of Francisco Trinaldo and Zak Ottow feeling like he could have done more.
That feeling has been eating at him and lit this desire to prove to himself that he deserves to be competing with the best welterweights in mixed martial arts.
MORE FIGHT NIGHT: Main Event Preview | Amanda Lemos’ Win Streak | Jessica Andrade’s Constant Change
“I don’t like this feeling that I’ve had before where it’s like, I lost a split decision. And then I’m walking to the back and I’m breathing normally and I’m fine. It’s like I didn’t give everything I had,” Grant said. “This time, I’m leaving everything I’m bringing to the Octagon in there.”
One of the ways that Grant knows he can give more is to engage with his opponents. He’s frustrated that, at times, he falls into a lull and loses that urgency that he feels is needed to find a finish. To avoid complacency in the middle of the fight, Grant is focused on engaging with Khandozhko and not overthinking once the door is locked behind him.
