Roman Dolidze made headlines at UFC Vegas 104, scoring a significant victory over Marvin Vettori by unanimous decision on March 15, 2025. This bout, held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, was not just about revenge for Dolidze; it was also about establishing himself as a serious contender within the middleweight division.
Dolidze, who now boasts a record of 14-3 MMA and 8-3 UFC, came to this match following a string of successes, including his recent TKO victory over Kevin Holland. The fight with Vettori represented his opportunity to push closer to title contention, and he seized it, showcasing impressive skills and tactical awareness throughout the match.
Post-fight, Dolidze wasted no time calling out top-ranked fighters, targeting Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker as potential opponents. His performance at UFC Vegas 104 highlighted his readiness for these challenges, rapidly elevATING his status within the division. With Dolidze’s winning streak now at three, fans and analysts alike are eager to see who he will face next. "I would gladly sign on the dotted line" for another encounter with Vettori, Dolidze mentioned, hinting at his willingness to revisit their rivalry if necessary.
For Vettori, the defeat marked his fourth loss out of his last six fights, leaving him contemplating his next steps. The Italian grappler had been eager to return to winning form, especially following his lengthy absence since losing to Jared Cannonier back in June 2023. "F*ck man, life sometimes shows you... I almost had him in the third but I guess it wasn’t enough," Vettori lamented on social media, reflecting on the fight and his overall performance.
Marvin Vettori’s record now stands at 19-6 MMA after this encounter, with his recent struggles putting him at 1-3 over his last four bouts. While he had previously called for a trilogy fight against Dolidze, it appears more pragmatic opponents may be on the horizon. Analysts speculate he could face the winner of the upcoming match between Michel Pereira and Abus Magomedov, with possibilities of finding redemption later this year.
The UFC continues to shake things up, and the fight scheduled for this Saturday, March 22, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 255 will see another high-stakes match featuring former welterweight champion Leon Edwards taking on Sean Brady. This card is drawing significant attention as fighters jockey for position and prepare to make their own bids for title shots.
Despite Vettori’s disappointment and the potential for Dolidze to continue rising, both fighters have expressed pressure to perform well moving forward. UFC fans are undoubtedly keeping their eyes peeled on the middleweight division as new matchups and provocations heat up the competition.
With Dolidze’s recent triumph and accounts of Vettori’s determination to rebound, the upcoming months could prove pivotal for both fighters. Expect both to take calculated risks as they look to secure their place among the elite of the division. From title shots on the horizon to thrilling rematches, UFC's future looks bright, with many fighters eager to make their mark and solidify their wrestling legacies.
Both athletes now stand at pivotal crossroads: Dolidze on the cusp of the elite, and Vettori fighting to remain relevant as he looks forward to potential matchups with Brendan Allen, another fighter who has had trouble on his path, suffering back-to-back losses himself. The stakes have never been higher, and with the environment at UFC, fans are bracing for more exciting fight nights to come.
Whether Dolidze will break through to title contention remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—his victory at UFC Vegas 104 has set the stage for some intriguing matchups as the middleweight division continues to evolve.
