Roman Dolidze Steps Up in the Middleweight Division with Eyes on UFC Legends

A Victory of Redemption: Dolidze Outlasts Vettori in Rematch

Roman Dolidze, the Georgian middleweight contender, has solidified his place in the UFC’s 185-pound division after securing a decisive victory over Marvin Vettori in their highly anticipated rematch at UFC Vegas 104. Held at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, the main event saw Dolidze avenging his previous loss to Vettori, who had defeated him at UFC 286 in London earlier in 2023. This time, Dolidze dominated the rematch, earning a unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the fight 49-46 in his favor. The victory marked a significant milestone in Dolidze’s career, showcasing his mental toughness and physical endurance over five grueling rounds.

Dolidze, who is currently ranked 12th in the middleweight division, expressed gratitude toward Vettori for accepting the rematch and acknowledged the importance of the fight as a test of his resilience. He admitted that the first encounter had taught him valuable lessons about pacing and controlling his aggression, which he successfully implemented in the rematch. “First fight, I was going hard just because of my aggression, but now I was ready,” Dolidze said in his post-fight interview. “I was controlling my aggression, and that’s a very important key for me. I can’t go hard and die in the first round, but I can go hard for five rounds and still keep going.” This newfound strategy not only earned him the win but also proved that he belongs among the elite in the middleweight division.

Mental and Physical Resilience: Dolidze Proves His Worth

The rematch against Vettori was more than just a fight for Dolidze; it was a proving ground for his mental and physical capabilities. After losing the first bout in London, Dolidze analyzed his performance and identified areas for improvement. He realized that his aggression, while a strength, had become a liability when not managed properly. In their second meeting, Dolidze demonstrated a more disciplined approach, maintaining a consistent work rate throughout the five rounds and outlasting Vettori. This performance highlighted his ability to adapt and grow as a fighter, traits that are essential for success in the ultra-competitive UFC middleweight division.

Dolidze’s victory over Vettori, who was ranked 8th heading into the fight, is expected to propel him into the top 10 of the middleweight rankings. This achievement is a testament to his hard work and determination. “This fight was very important to me, first of all, mentally, so I can go five rounds, hard,” Dolidze explained. By overcoming the challenges presented by Vettori, Dolidze has proven that he can compete at the highest level and endure the rigors of a five-round title fight. His performance has also caught the attention of fans and analysts, who are now considering him a legitimate contender in the division.

Learning from Past Mistakes: The Road to Victory

Dolidze’s journey to this victory was not without its challenges. In their first meeting at UFC 286, Vettori emerged victorious, capitalizing on Dolidze’s early aggression and outlasting him in a three-round fight. However, Dolidze used this loss as a learning opportunity. He realized that while his aggression was an asset, it needed to be balanced with strategy and pacing. In the rematch, he implemented a more controlled approach, which allowed him to maintain his energy levels throughout the fight and outperform Vettori in the later rounds. This ability to learn from past mistakes and adjust his strategy is a key factor in Dolidze’s growth as a fighter.

The Georgian contender also emphasized the importance of mental preparation in his victory. “I’m in with killers, monsters; I need to be ready for anything that can happen,” he said. This mindset allowed him to stay focused and composed under pressure, even when faced with Vettori’s relentless attacks. By combining mental resilience with physical endurance, Dolidze was able to secure the unanimous decision and take a significant step forward in his career.

Setting His Sights on the Top: Dolidze Calls Out Former Champions

With his victory over Vettori, Dolidze has set his sights on even bigger challenges. The Georgian contender believes he is ready to face top-five opponents in the middleweight division and has called out two of the biggest names in the sport: former UFC Middleweight Champions Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya. “I deserve a top-five fight, 100 percent, and there are two realistic fights for me,” Dolidze stated confidently. “It’s Whittaker or Adesanya. Let’s go! Just give me a day, that’s all I need. Nothing more.”

Dolidze’s call-out of Whittaker and Adesanya is a bold move, but it’s one that reflects his ambition and confidence. Both fighters are highly respected in the division, with Adesanya being one of the most dominant champions in recent history. A victory over either of these legends would catapult Dolidze into title contention and cement his status as a top-tier middleweight. While it’s uncertain whether either Whittaker or Adesanya will accept his challenge, Dolidze’s willingness to face the best of the best is a testament to his fearless attitude and belief in his abilities.

The Future of the Middleweight Division: Can Dolidze Join the Elite?

Roman Dolidze’s victory over Marvin Vettori has opened doors to new opportunities in the middleweight division. With his sights set on former champions Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya, Dolidze is aiming to establish himself as a legitimate title contender. His ability to learn from past mistakes, combined with his mental and physical resilience, makes him a formidable opponent for anyone in the division. As he prepares for his next fight, Dolidze’s determination and ambition will undoubtedly make him a force to be reckoned with in the UFC.

The middleweight division is currently one of the most stacked weight classes in the UFC, with a mix of established veterans and rising stars. For Dolidze to break into the top five, he will need to continue proving himself against high-level competition. A win over someone like Whittaker or Adesanya would not only boost his ranking but also earn him the respect of fans and fighters alike. Whether or not he gets the opportunity to face one of these legends next, Dolidze has already made it clear that he is ready for the challenge. With his relentless work ethic and unyielding determination, the future looks bright for this Georgian contender.