LAS VEGAS – Roman Dolidze is relieved to get one back.
At UFC Fight Night 254, Dolidze (15-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) avenged a March 2023 loss when he defeated Marvin Vettori (19-8-1 MMA, 9-6-1 UFC) via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46). It’s a performance Dolidze is proud of.
“Any win is a good win, but one over Vettori is very important because I wanted to take my win back, what they took away from me in London,” Doldize said. “I hope my opponent will get well soon. He’s a strong, durable fighter. I knew for anybody it’s tough and hard to finish him. I was ready for five rounds, if needed. As you can see, I worked five rounds hard. And that was important for me.”
It was two years between the first and second fights. While Dolidze doesn’t see a third one happening any time in the immediate, he’s willing to reciprocate the favor to Vettori if the UFC ever wants a third booking between them.
“Let’s be fair. That’s a good question,” Doldize said. “He gave me this rematch. If UFC needed it and they tell me about it, I’ll probably do it, just out of respect, because I respect that he agreed to fight me. Why would he do this? Back then, I was No. 10. He was No. 7. He even said he thought it was Roman Kopylov, but I don’t trust him. He agreed to fight me. Just because of that respect of mine to him, I can do this. But I think the UFC will have other plans for me.”
Dolidze, 36, has now won three fights in a row. He entered Saturday’s main event off back-to-back wins over Anthony Smith and Kevin Holland.
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