Roman Dolidze steps into UFC Orlando against Jack Hermansson this Saturday on short notice, after being afforded the opportunity late last month. That leaves the Georgian middleweight with little to lose, and lots to gain, making him a sizeable beneficiary of a Derek Brunson injury.
Despite the short-notice nature of the match-up, Dolidze (11-1) was not surprised to get the call to face Hermansson, he said during Wednesday’s UFC Orlando media day.
“Why do I need to be surprised?” he countered, when asked whether the opportunity to face Hermansson had come as a shock. “It’s a big opportunity first of all, let’s start from this. And of course I’m always ready. When I’m saying ‘just give me good fights, and I will fight,’ it’s not just words. Other guys probably talk a lot, but don’t do nothing. But I’m here to do stuff, and talk less.”
Ten days notice was all the time Doldize got to prepare for Hermansson, the fighter confirmed during a brief media day appearance. Probably less, when you consider travel time and Fight Week obligations.
As for Hermansson, “he’s a good opponent, but all my opponents are good, they were good fighters,” Dolidze explained. “That’s why I respect him, as always, all my opponents. I respect him, but I’m ready for anybody.”
Hermansson, a soft-spoken Swede known as “The Joker,” has often been overlooked in the 185lb division, despite long being ranked in the top ten of the weight class (he currently sits at #9). Doldize himself is not ranked, but said “I think there are certain reasons why it’s like that” when asked about Hermansson’s lack of notoriety. “I don’t have an answer for your question, but I respect my opponent.”
Just how does this fight play out on Saturday night? “Just go there and fight, that’s all. I just need to be who I am. That’s all that I need to do.”
Roman Dolidze faces Jack Hermansson at UFC Orlando this Saturday, December 3, 2022. The card airs live on ESPN in the U.S.
