The UFC returned to the APEX on Saturday, March 15, 2025, hosting UFC Fight Night: Vettori vs. Dolidze 2, where No. 8 ranked Marvin Vettori faced off against No. 10 Roman Dolidze. This pivotal rematch features Vettori, who is returning from a 20-month hiatus, hoping to re-establish his status within the middleweight division. Meanwhile, Dolidze aimed not only to avenge his previous loss to Vettori but also to extend his current winning streak to three bouts.
Both fighters entered the octagon with significant stakes on the line. Vettori, well-known for his endurance and grappling skill, proved to be the more active fighter during their first encounter. Analysts pointed out, "Vettori clearly the more active fighter." While Dolidze relied on power during their last matchup, it wasn't enough to match Vettori's output. This rematch allowed Vettori the opportunity to demonstrate how he's adapted during his break.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the card, the co-main event saw Chidi Njokuani take on Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. Zaleski, known for his ability to compete with quality welterweights, had faced tougher competition compared to Njokuani, who has struggled against upper-tier foes. UFC analysts noted, "Zaleski has what it takes to hang with quality welterweights." Unless Njokuani could implement his grappling effectively, Zaleski was favored heading onto the main card.
While the attention was focused on the main and co-main events, the night also offered a series of matchups featuring up-and-coming fighters and seasoned veterans. Alexander Hernandez had paired up with Kurt Holobaugh, setting expectations for an engaging battle of stamina and skill. With Hernandez previously showing moments of brilliance, anticipation surrounded whether he could break free from mental hindrances and deliver performance against the ever-resilient Holobaugh.
Another interesting matchup featured Da'Mon Blackshear against Cody Gibson. "Blackshear wants to get in the cage and use his strong frame to twist his opponents," said one commentator. This matchup promised to test both fighters, pushing Blackshear to solidify his presence among the competitive 135-pound ranks.
Meanwhile, Diyar Nurgozhay, headlining his UFC debut against Brendson Ribeiro, faced controversy after missing weight by over four pounds. "Diyar Nurgozhay missed weight by over four pounds," reported officials, raising questions about his preparedness. Analysts pointed out the caused ramifications; this misstep could play against Nurgozhay as he sought to make his mark. Observers wondered, would this weight miss affect his performance or signify underlying issues?
Seung Woo Choi's fight against Kevin Vallejos was another notable bout. Vallejos had made waves by securing his place via Dana White's Contender Series and entered with immense pressure to showcase his talent. Analysts predicted, "Vallejos makes his UFC debut after earning a contract on Dana White's Contender Series," highlighting his rapid ascension to the major stage.
The entire event, broadcasted live on ESPN+, started with prelims at 4 p.m. ET, building excitement for the main card scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET. Fans and analysts alike were engaged, sharing predictions and insights on how the bouts would play out.
UFC Fight Night: Vettori vs. Dolidze 2 not only provided competitive matchups but also embodied the dynamic nature of the sport. It presented opportunities for established athletes to reclaim their standing, alongside the potential for younger fighters to prove themselves against veteran opponents. Conversely, the stakes of this event offered insights not only about the present events but future trajectories across weight classes.
With each fighter bringing their unique style and strategy, the event showcased the depth of talent within the UFC pipeline, setting the stage for many potential future clashes. All eyes were fixed on Vettori’s return—and on whether Dolidze could change his fate after their previous encounter.
The predictions made over who would emerge victorious shaped the ambiance leading up to the fights, drawing interest from fans both online and nearby, eager for the thrill of live action. The excitement surrounding the battles at the UFC APEX reaffirmed the organization’s foothold within the world of combat sports, promising more thrill and anticipation as 2025 moves along.