LAS VEGAS – UFC Fight Night 254, also known as UFC Vegas 104, unfolded on March 15, 2025, at the UFC Apex, showcasing thrilling matchups, unexpected outcomes, and notable performances.
The main event featured Marvin Vettori facing off against Roman Dolidze, marking their second matchup after Vettori had previously won two years ago. This time, the Georgian fighter Dolidze emerged victorious, claiming the bout by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47). Dolidze's win not only avenged his earlier loss but kept him firmly within the top 15 of the middleweight division. His performance marked his third consecutive victory, establishing him as a key player amid fierce competition for title shots.
Highlighting the chaotic middleweight division, this match raised questions about the future for both fighters. With contenders like Khamzat Chimaev and Nassourdine Imavov vying for their shot at the title, the rankings have become increasingly congested. To capitalize on this excitement, several potential future matchups have been suggested. Among the hottest proposed bouts are Chimaev going up against champion Dricus Du Plessis, and Imavov facing Caio Borralho, to establish who might be the next in line for the title.
The UFC's welterweight scene saw significant action as Chidi Njokuani continued to assert his dominance with a finish against Elizeu Zaleski. The fight concluded with knees and elbows late in Round 2, culminating in Njokuani's third consecutive victory. Despite missing weight by 1.5 pounds, his ability to secure the knockout was impressive and marked him as the first UFC fighter this year to miss weight and still claim victory.
Njokuani's coach praised his performance, and the fighter's next matchup is anticipated to be against Muslim Salikhov, another veteran aiming to add to his recent comeback success. Salikhov’s experience promises to create compelling action should this matchup take place.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta also had his moment to shine, dispatching Ryan Spann with a second-round TKO and defending his No. 12 ranking within the heavyweight division. Cortes-Acosta is now 15-1 overall and has bounced back significantly since his lone loss. He is now expected to face another ranked opponent soon, with the winner of Serghei Spivac or Shamil Gaziev being pointed out as potential challengers.
On the undercard, Alexander Hernandez pulled off another significant performance by besting Kurt Holobaugh via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28). This victory marked Hernandez’s second straight after overcoming a tough period of 1-4 over two years. His performance showcased improved skills, particularly his wrestling game, as he completed four out of five takedown attempts, holding over six minutes of control time during the bout. Hernandez reflected on his injuries throughout training, noting the difficulties of managing four bulging discs and two herniations prior to this fight. Despite the challenges, he expressed pride in blending his skills effectively.
Sam Hughes also achieved victory on the preliminary card, defeating Stephanie Luciano by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-27). This win is particularly significant considering Hughes’ history of struggle, as she has improved to winning five of her last seven after initially starting her UFC career with three defeats. Hughes actively dictated the pace of the fight, outstriking Luciano and securing substantial control time through takedowns. Following the fight, she demonstrated confidence and determination, expressing her ambitions to compete again around her birthday during International Fight Week on June 28. She has made her message clear: she’s here to make her mark and show improvement.
UFC Fight Night 254 also showcased the return of the kimura submission, with Da'Mon Blackshear and Brendson Ribeiro both employing the move—a noteworthy occurrence as it was the first such event since 2010. Alongside this historical note, fans witnessed eight finishes throughout the night, emphasizing the fighters' urgency and desire to entertain.
While many athletes found success, others were on the losing side, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the UFC. For Marvin Vettori, this fight was another setback; now 2-3 over his last five bouts, it's becoming increasingly unlikely for him to respark his title aspirations without significant changes. The suggestion for his next matchup has been made against Brendan Allen, who has faced similar struggles.
Overall, UFC Fight Night 254 was not just another fight card; it served as a window to the potential and challenges each fighter will face as the events of 2025 continue to reshape the hierarchy across divisions. The excitement around potential matchups—a crowd-pleaser like Chimaev vs. Du Plessis, or Njokuani against established veterans—keeps the buzz alive within the MMA community. The octagon continues to act as the ultimate proving ground for fighters to either solidify their legacies or rethink their strategies.
The compelling action and narratives presented at UFC Vegas 104 demonstrate the evolution and unpredictability of mixed martial arts, ensuring fans have plenty to look forward to.
