In an electrifying main event at UFC Vegas 104, Roman Dolidze triumphed over Marvin Vettori in a highly anticipated rematch, securing a unanimous decision victory at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The Georgian fighter showcased his prowess in the octagon, avenging his previous loss to the Italian contender from 2023, with all three judges scoring the bout 49-46 in his favor.
Dolidze’s Strategic Mastery in the Octagon
Roman Dolidze entered the octagon with a clear game plan, leveraging his striking capabilities to maintain a slight edge throughout the fight. The contest, characterized by stand-up exchanges, saw Dolidze’s superior boxing skills come to the forefront. Despite Vettori’s attempts to counter with leg kicks and power punches, Dolidze’s combinations and defensive acumen proved decisive.
The rematch began with Dolidze setting the pace, employing a mix of jabs and crosses that kept Vettori on the defensive. An inadvertent clash of heads briefly paused the bout, yet Dolidze quickly regained his momentum. As the rounds progressed, his strategic use of high kicks and precision strikes further distanced him from Vettori on the judges’ scorecards.
Brazilian Fighters Shine Amidst Mixed Results
The event also highlighted Brazilian talent, with six fighters participating across the card. Priscila Cachoeira delivered a standout performance, knocking out Josiane Nunes with a powerful uppercut in the first round, while André Mascote maintained his unbeaten record with a third-round submission victory over Daniel Barez.
Brendson Ribeiro continued his ascent in the light heavyweight division by securing a second-round kimura submission against Diyar Nurgozhay. However, Elizeu “Capoeira” Zaleski faced a setback in the co-main event, suffering a technical knockout loss to Chidi Njokuani in the second round. Stephanie Luciano fought valiantly but was edged out in a split decision loss to Sam Hughes.
What’s Next for Dolidze and the Middleweight Division?
With this victory, Dolidze not only av anced his ranking in the middleweight division but also set his sights on facing higher-ranked opponents. Post-fight, Dolidze called out former champions Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker, expressing his desire for a top-five matchup. “This win was crucial for me,” Dolidze stated in his post-fight interview. “I’m ready for the next big challenge, whether it’s Whittaker or Adesanya, just give me the date.”
Meanwhile, Vettori’s return to the octagon after a lengthy hiatus did not go as planned. Despite showing flashes of his former self, the Italian fighter struggled to match Dolidze’s pace and precision. As both fighters look to the future, the middleweight division remains as competitive as ever, with title shots and rankings at stake.
As the UFC continues to host thrilling events, the outcomes of these fights will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the middleweight division. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching the developments and potential matchups that could emerge from the aftermath of UFC Vegas 104.
