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UFC star Davey Grant out to land Luna rocket and backs ex-'teacher' Ronda Rousey return

EXCLUSIVE: Bishop Auckland bantamweight Davey Grant just can't get enough of life in the Octagon after getting his big UFC break on Team Ronda Rousey

[UFC stalwart Davey Grant is all smiles as he enjoys another trip to the Octagon]

UFC stalwart Davey Grant is all smiles as he enjoys another trip to the Octagon(Image: Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Veteran UFC star Davey Grant is over the moon that he will once again get the chance to step into the Octagon, which is particularly fitting as he faces debutant Juan Adrian Luna Martinetti.

Bishop Aucklands Grant will have experience on his side this will be his 15th fight in the UFC as he welcomes Ecuadorian Luna Martinetti to MMAs biggest stage at the Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday night, April 25.

The 40-year-old British bantamweight has more fights behind him than ahead of him and is determined to make the most of the cage time he has left. Grant, who is renowned for being involved in fan-friendly bouts, said: This is what its all about. I just thank my lucky stars that I am still able to do it.

[Davey Grant weighs in for his clash with Juan Adrian Luna Martinetti in Las Vegas]

Davey Grant weighs in for his clash with Juan Adrian Luna Martinetti in Las Vegas(Image: Zuffa LLC)

Honestly, I just feel blessed constantly all the time. Every time I get to go and perform, every day I get to go and just train, do what I love for a living, it is great.

I definitely savour every fight now. Before long, as time seems to go so quickly, Ill be telling my grandkids, I used to be rock hard and fight in the UFC, you know?

I have seen Juan fight and he's an exciting fighter. He comes for it, so Im expecting a good old scrap.

Its not that I even try to put on exciting fights. It's just lucky for me that the way that I fight is pretty exciting. Im going out there just to do the best I can. Luckily, it's an exciting style that I bring.

[Brit Davey Grant shows off his all-action approach against Jonathan Martinez]

Brit Davey Grant shows off his all-action approach against Jonathan Martinez(Image: Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Daveys big break in the UFC came when he was cast on reality show The Ultimate Fighter in 2013 when he came under the tutelage of Ronda Rousey.

The former UFC bantamweight champion is preparing to make a cage comeback after nearly 10 years on Jake Pauls MVP promotions first MMA card on Netflix on May 16 in Los Angeles.

Rowdy will face fellow womens MMA pioneer Gina Carano and Grant has backed both to put on a show. 'Dangerous' added: Good luck to her. Honestly, she's a lovely woman and Ginas been training at my gym [in Las Vegas] as well, so I know Gina. I like both of them and I think its great for them.

[Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano face off ahead of their big MMA returns]

Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano face off ahead of their big MMA returns(Image: JP Yim/Shutterstock)

They have both been out for a while, so it is a fair fight and it is good to see both getting back in there, making some money for their families and putting on a big show.

A few of my friends have got on the show as well, getting paid really well. So its worked out well for a lot of people in the MMA community.

UFC is celebrating four years of partnership with national youth charity OnSide, which aims to create a positive environment for young people through martial arts and mentoring-focused programmes at Youth Zones across the country. For more information visit www.onsideyouthzones.org/

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