Updated: December 5, 2025
Hey there, fight fans! If you’re anything like me, you live for those heart-pounding UFC moments where underdogs rise up and steal the show. And right now, one of the most exciting names buzzing in the lightweight division is Grant Dawson – the “KGD” himself. But behind every great fighter is an even greater support system, and for Grant, that’s his wife, Elle Dawson. Yeah, you heard that right: Grant Dawson’s wife isn’t just cheering from the sidelines; she’s a badass MMA fighter in her own right. Their love story? It’s equal parts romance, grit, and that unbreakable fighter spirit. Stick around as we dive into who Elle is, how they make it work, and why this duo is goals for anyone chasing dreams in (or out of) the cage. Let’s roll!
Table of Contents
Who Is Grant Dawson’s Wife? Meet Elle Dawson
Picture this: a couple who met amid sweat, gloves, and grappling mats, and turned it into a lifelong partnership. That’s Grant and Elle Dawson in a nutshell. Elle Dawson (née Wagman) was born on May 24, 1994, in Springfield, Missouri, and she’s been turning heads in the MMA world since her amateur days. With a rock-solid 6-3 amateur record, she went pro and racked up a 5-1 pro slate, mostly in the atomweight and strawweight divisions. Her style? Pure fire – three of those wins came by submission, showing she’s got that killer instinct just like her hubby.
Elle’s not one to chase the spotlight for fame; she’s all about the grind. Signed to promotions like Invicta FC and now gearing up for a big return with Fighting Alliance Championship (FAC), she’s been honing her skills at the legendary American Top Team (ATT) gym in Coconut Creek, Florida. That’s the same spot where Grant sharpens his edges alongside stars like Dustin Poirier. At 31, Elle’s in her prime, and fans are hyped for her comeback fight against Katie Perez at FAC 32 – especially since it lands just a day before Grant’s showdown at UFC 323. Talk about a power couple weekend!
What makes Elle so special? She’s got this quiet confidence that radiates. Grant’s always shouting her out post-fight, calling her his “cheat code” for motivation. And honestly, in a sport as brutal as MMA, having a partner who gets the late nights and the bruises? Priceless.
The Love Story: From Gym Buddies to Life Partners
Grant and Elle’s romance kicked off back in 2017, right around when Grant was clawing his way into the UFC spotlight. They connected through the MMA world – think shared training sessions and that instant spark when two fighters recognize a kindred spirit. After five years of dating, filled with road trips to fights and endless encouragement, they said “I do” on November 20, 2022. It was a low-key ceremony that screamed them: intimate, fierce, and full of heart.
Since then, their bond has only grown stronger. Grant, born February 20, 1994, in Cambria, Wisconsin, has called Elle his rock in interviews. “I love my wife more than anything on this planet,” he gushed after a big win in 2023. And Elle? She’s right there in his corner, literally – cageside at every bout, hyping him up like no one else can. Their shared life at ATT means they train together, spar ideas, and keep each other accountable. It’s the kind of partnership where date nights might involve rolling on the mats, but hey, it works!
No kids on the horizon just yet – Grant recently spilled that they’re planning to start a family “probably after Saturday night” (post-UFC 323). For now, it’s all about building their legacies, one fight at a time. Their story reminds us that true love in MMA isn’t about glamour; it’s about showing up, day in and day out.
Elle Dawson’s MMA Journey: A Fighter’s Own Path
Let’s talk shop – Elle’s no sidekick; she’s a force. After dominating amateurs, she turned pro and notched those five wins with finishes that make you wince (in a good way). Her only pro loss? A tough lesson at strawweight, but it fueled her fire. Elle’s been on a hiatus for over three years, grinding behind the scenes with elites like Kayla Harrison, but she’s back and better. That FAC 32 bout this Friday? It’s her shot to remind everyone why she was a top atomweight prospect.
- Pro Record Breakdown: 5 wins (3 submissions, 1 KO, 1 decision) – 1 loss.
- Signature Style: Grappling wizard with killer ground game; she’s submitted foes faster than you can say “tap out.”
- Training Edge: ATT’s world-class coaching keeps her sharp, blending striking and subs seamlessly.
- Comeback Vibes: At 31, Elle’s eyeing a run that could land her on bigger cards. Watch for those armbars!
Elle’s career mirrors Grant’s in resilience. While he’s chasing UFC gold (currently #13 in lightweight rankings with a 23-2-1 record), she’s carving her niche in women’s MMA. Together, they prove that fighters lift each other up – literally and figuratively.
| Aspect | Grant Dawson | Elle Dawson |
|---|---|---|
| Birthdate | February 20, 1994 | May 24, 1994 |
| Hometown | Cambria, Wisconsin | Springfield, Missouri |
| Pro MMA Record | 23-2-1 (UFC: 7-1-1) | 5-1-0 |
| Weight Class | Lightweight (155 lbs) | Atomweight/Strawweight |
| Notable Wins | Mark Madsen (sub), Damir Ismagulov (decision) | 3 submissions in pro bouts |
| UFC Ranking | #13 (as of Nov 2025) | N/A (regional pro) |
| Gym | American Top Team | American Top Team |
This table highlights how synced they are – same gym, same drive, total synergy.
Their Impact on Each Other: The Ultimate Team Dynamic
What sets Grant and Elle apart? It’s that fighter-family fusion. Grant’s bounced back from setbacks (like that quick KO to Bobby Green in 2023) with Elle’s unwavering support. She gets the mental toll, the diet tweaks, the “why am I doing this?” moments. In return, Grant amps up Elle’s confidence, especially now as she eyes retirement post-comeback and family life.
Remember that viral post-fight mic drop at UFC Vegas 98 in October 2024? Grant thanked Elle for her support… then hilariously called her “dump truck” asset his favorite thing (second to her heart, of course). It had fans cracking up and her Instagram blowing up with 700+ new followers overnight. Moments like that humanize them – they’re not just pros; they’re real, fun, and deeply in love.
Their dynamic spills into motivation too:
- Elle’s pre-fight rituals keep Grant grounded.
- Grant’s big wins fuel Elle’s fire for her own ring returns.
- Off the mats, they prioritize balance – hikes, laughs, and dreaming big.
In a cutthroat sport, they’ve built a fortress of mutual respect.
Conclusion: Why Grant and Elle Dawson Inspire Us All
At the end of the day, Grant Dawson’s wife, Elle, isn’t just a chapter in his story – she’s co-authoring the whole damn book. From their 2017 meet-cute to wedding bells in 2022, and now with Elle’s epic return and baby plans on deck, this couple embodies what MMA’s all about: resilience, love, and never tapping out. As Grant preps for UFC 323 and Elle steps back in at FAC 32, one thing’s clear – their journey’s just heating up.
If you’re a fan of underdog tales or just root for real-deal romance, keep an eye on the Dawsons. They’re proof that the best fights happen outside the cage too. Who’s your favorite power couple in sports? Drop a comment below – and hey, tune in this weekend. Who knows, maybe we’ll see baby Dawson gloves in the future. Until next time, keep fighting the good fight!