Roman Dolidze claimed victory over Marvin Vettori at UFC Vegas 104 on March 15, 2025, marking a significant moment not only for himself but also as part of the continuing narrative of Vettori’s career following injuries and setbacks. The middleweight rematch gathered much attention as both fighters had history dating back to their first meeting at UFC 286, where Vettori emerged victorious. This time around, it was Dolidze who had the last laugh, winning by unanimous decision—a direct turnaround from their earlier encounter.
The fight showcased Dolidze's evolution as he tactically outstriked Vettori, particularly in the last two rounds where he seemed to seize control of the fight. Although Vettori, with his 19-7-1 record, managed to provide some significant moments throughout the contest, including hurting Dolidze badly during the third round, he was unable to capitalize on his opportunities. Dolidze’s volume and efficiency told the story, culminating in him earning the judges’ decision decisively. This gave Dolidze not only the win but also sweet revenge for his previous defeat, allowing him to climb the middleweight rankings.
Following UFC Vegas 104, the official UFC rankings indicated the real impact of Dolidze's performance. The fighter, now sporting a 15-3 record, advanced three ranks to sit solidly at the 9th place. Conversely, the loss moved Vettori down two spots, securing him the 10th position. With Dolidze positioned among the top ten, he finds himself ideally set for potential high-stake matches against even tougher opponents. This rising star's presence within the competitive environment of the UFC middleweight division promises more exhilarating fights to come.
On social media, post-fight reviews indicated Dolidze’s relief and triumph after avenging his loss. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete and vowed to continue improving. Dolidze remarked, "It’s about time I showed what I’m capable of. A loss can sometimes teach you more than any victory ever could." Such statements highlight the resilience often seen among fighters within this elite level of mixed martial arts.
But the spotlight is also brightly shining on Marvin Vettori, who commented on his return to the octagon after nearly two years sidelined by injuries. On social media, Vettori stated, "It was good for Vettori just getting back inside the octagon," signaling optimism for his future. While the fighting world understood the challenges he faced—working through injuries and long absences—the performance against Dolidze underscored the work he still needs to accomplish to reclaim his status among the elite.
Significantly, Vettori called out Brendan Allen as his next opponent, hinting at potential animosity from their past exchanges. Notably, the two fighters allegedly had altercations outside of the octagon, including a brawl following the PFL event, indicating personal stakes beyond competitive rivalry. With Vettori now facing the challenge of maintaining relevance within the rankings, this matchup appears to be both commercially appealing and intriguing for fans eager to see the rekindling of hostility.
UFC analysts and fans alike suggest Vettori versus Allen is the logical next step, considering their shared history and current positioning within the ranks. Both fighters are closely matched, and with each vying for reinstatement as genuine contenders, there’s much more on the line than mere victory.
The UFC’s dynamic nature means shifts within rankings can happen swiftly, and post-fight discussions are already pivoting toward what this means for both Dolidze and Vettori. Dolidze’s ascent showcases not only the fruits of his labor but also highlights the constant adaptation required to thrive within this complex sport. Meanwhile, Vettori's determination to get back to winning ways remains palpable as he looks to the future.
For both fighters, UFC Vegas 104 served as another chapter, particularly for Dolidze, who proved he's capable of competing at the top level after defeating one of the sport's stalwarts. The win underscored his readiness to challenge higher-ranked opponents, potentially leading to title contention, offering fans exciting matchups on the horizon.
While the fight was pivotal for Dolidze, it also marked Vettori's stage of reinvention—a process all elite athletes must weather, often dealing with personal and professional storms along the way. The desire for both fighters to reclaim and solidify their spots within the UFC hierarchy assures a promising outlook within the middleweight division. Only time will reveal how the next fights play out, but one thing remains certain: the stakes are higher than ever.
