Marvin Vettori, the former UFC middleweight title challenger, faced another setback on March 15, 2025, when he lost to Roman Dolidze at UFC Vegas 104, marking his third defeat in four fights. Dolidze, having avenged his prior loss to Vettori from UFC 186, left Vettori grappling with the question of his next move after the bout.
Post-fight, Vettori took to social media to announce his intentions. "Saturday sparked the fire again, 21 months out was a bit. Angry Vettori might be back lol. Time to win some fights. Allen before I see you outside what you doing next? Who is gonna retire who?" This message was aimed at his middleweight rival Brendan Allen, with whom he has had significant history, including a brawl at a PFL event last August.
Vettori’s road back to the Octagon has been tumultuous. Before his latest outing, he was set to face Allen back in April 2024 but pulled out due to injury, which led Chris Curtis to take his place. Allen, meanwhile, extended his winning streak during Vettori's absence, only to lose back-to-back fights recently, putting both men at similar crossroads.
The rivalry between Vettori and Allen has been brewing since their contentious altercation at the Hard Rock Casino, where Allen allegedly intervened during Vettori's argument with George Tokkos, leading to physical confrontation. Vettori did not shy away from expressing animosity toward Allen, stating, "I’ll smash your face just because you look funny to me. I’ll see you soon.”
With Vettori now ranked number 10, the potential fight against Allen appears to be more than just personal—it may also carry significant stakes for the careers of both fighters. Each is seeking to regain momentum and possibly push toward title contention. Current trends show strong fighters entering the middleweight division, and securing victories against rising contenders could signal to the UFC brass their readiness for another run at the championship.
The upcoming bouts also present options for Vettori beyond Allen. Notable prospects like Bo Nickal and Reinier de Ridder could be potential challengers for his next fight. Rumors also swirl about the possibility of Vettori confronting former champion Israel Adesanya for the third time, having previously lost to him twice.
Such high-profile matches could anchor Vettori's efforts to reclaim his place at the top. Alternatively, considering the pressure Vettori faces following this recent loss, if he falters again, retirement has been hinted at as a serious consideration. "Who knows what’s next?" Vettori mused, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding his future.
With much at stake, Vettori is under significant pressure to produce results not just for personal redemption but also to remain relevant as one of the sport's leading athletes. The outcome of his anticipated match with Allen could very well dictate the next chapter of his career.
Fans are eager to see how this rivalry will evolve, but whether it ends with Vettori’s resurgence or precedes his exit from the sport remains to be seen. Either way, UFC enthusiasts will undoubtedly be watching closely as Vettori looks to turn the tide amid mounting pressure.
