Veteran bantamweight contender Davey Grant has broken his silence following a devastating setback at the Meta Apex, vowing to continue his professional mixed martial arts career into 2027 despite suffering the first knockout loss of his storied tenure in the sport.
The beloved British veteran squared off against surging prospect Elijah Smith on Saturday night at UFC Vegas 124, looking to leverage his veteran savvy against a rising contender. However, the contest was brought to a stunning and abrupt halt shortly after it began. Just 60 seconds into the opening frame, the 11-1 prospect Elijah Smith caught Grant with a decisive blow, making history as the first man to ever stop the resilient Englishman via knockout inside the Octagon or across his extensive professional career.
The abrupt finish sent shockwaves through the bantamweight division and left fans of the hard-nosed veteran stunned. Yet, rather than letting the definitive defeat deter him, Grant quickly took to social media to address his supporters, ease concerns regarding his health, and provide a clear outlook on his future within the sport.
Demonstrating the unwavering spirit that has made him a fan favorite throughout his years in the premier mixed martial arts organization, Grant shared an upbeat video on Instagram. In the footage, a smiling Grant could be seen lightheartedly shadowboxing, projecting positivity and resilience just hours after absorbing the toughest loss of his career.
“Got sparked,” Grant wrote candidly on Instagram, displaying his characteristic dark humor and straightforward attitude. “F—ing gutted, but I’m home safe with the family. Congratulations to Elijah and his team.”
Reflecting on his training camp and preparations heading into the high-stakes matchup, the 18-9 veteran made it clear that there were no built-in excuses for the outcome, while confirming that his competitive days are far from over.
“No excuses, great camp and best I’ve ever felt going into a fight—just got caught,” Grant continued. “Tough pill to swallow right now, but I’ll be back. Huge thank you to all my family, friends, and team.”
The definitive loss marks a rare moment of vulnerability for a fighter who has built a reputation for iron-willed durability and thrilling, back-and-forth wars inside the cage. Throughout his tenure with the promotion, Grant has consistently delivered memorable performances, earning Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses through sheer grit and a willingness to trade with the best 135-pounders in the world. For a competitor who has absorbed heavy artillery from elite opposition over the years without ever succumbing to a clean knockout, falling victim to Smith’s rapid strike in the opening minute serves as a harsh reminder of the sport’s fine margins. Nevertheless, his immediate pledge to return in 2027 reassures the MMA community that "Dangerous" Davey Grant is not ready to hang up the four-ounce gloves just yet.
UFC Vegas 124 delivered plenty of dramatic action and memorable finishes elsewhere on the fight card, showcasing a mix of rising talent and established veterans fighting under the bright lights of the Meta Apex. The evening’s events were capped off by a notable main event clash that also ended in decisive fashion.
In the card’s headliner, former light heavyweight title challenger Johnny Walker secured a definitive victory, stopping Waldo Cortes-Acosta in the third round of their short-notice main event encounter. Walker’s victory added another layer of excitement to a fight card that had already kept fans entertained with high-stakes matchups and rapid finishes, highlighted by Smith’s statement-making victory over Grant earlier in the evening.
As the dust settles on UFC Vegas 124, the bantamweight division moves forward with a new prospect making waves at the expense of a respected veteran. With Elijah Smith continuing his ascent up the 135-pound ladder following the biggest win of his career, Davey Grant can take solace in the unwavering support of his fans, family, and training partners as he prepares to heal, regroup, and mount another campaign in the Octagon when he returns to action next year.
