Robert Whittaker, the former UFC middleweight champion, has publicly responded to Roman Dolidze's callout following Dolidze's recent victory over Marvin Vettori. After Dolidze earned a unanimous decision win at UFC Fight Night 254 on March 17, 2025, Whittaker made it clear he is not interested in engaging with Dolidze at this time.
Whittaker's response came during his podcast, where he expressed his views on Dolidze's fight, saying, "I watched one and a half rounds, thought it was pointless to continue, and went back to playing 'Monster Hunter Wilds.' It was exactly like their first match. They were just, ‘Oh, it’s you again,’ and starting to fight all over again! I think they should have another bout to settle their trilogy, but I’m eager to battle someone from the top five instead, so they need to get in line!" Dolidze, who won by unanimous decision with scores of 49-46 from all three judges, has been vocal about wanting to face top-tier opponents, including Whittaker and Israel Adesanya.
Whittaker, currently ranked fourth among middleweights, has not fought since his defeat to Khamzat Chimaev last October, where he lost due to submission. Before this bout, he had secured two consecutive wins—one against Paulo Costa by unanimous decision and another by knockout against Ikram Aliskerov. This demonstrates his skill and enduring status within the division.
Despite Dolidze’s impressive showing against Vettori, Whittaker is concentrating on securing matches against higher-ranked prospects. His commitment to facing top opposition shows his desire to reclaim his title contention status. He previously indicated interest in fighting Sean Strickland, making it clear where his priorities lie as he works to climb back to the championship level.
The middleweight division remains dynamic, with the recent match between Dolidze and Vettori reigniting the conversation about rankings and potential matchups. With fighters jockeying for position, Whittaker's remarks spotlight the competitiveness within the weight class. He suggests the need for fighters like Dolidze and Vettori to settle their legacy before he considers taking them on.
UFC's International Fight Week is on Whittaker’s mind, as he hopes to secure a match with Strickland during this anticipated event. While Dolidze is gaining recognition with his latest win, Whittaker’s focus remains fixed firmly on higher-ranked opponents and title aspirations rather than on engaging with fighters who are still building their reputations.
Looking back at Whittaker’s recent performances and current mindset, it’s apparent he aims to solidify his place as a leading contender. Although acknowledging Dolidze’s victory, he maintains his position on wanting to face established names within the sport, which he believes would provide more significant opportunities for greatness.
Fans will have to wait and see how the situation develops as Whittaker navigates his next fight. While his wit and straightforward commentary provide entertainment value, they also highlight the strategic calculations behind the decisions of elite fighters. The middleweight division's status remains intriguing, packed with rivalries and potential matchups as athletes like Whittaker and Dolidze continue to seek their paths toward championship glory.
