UFC middleweight Marvin Vettori makes his return after a long layoff, and welcoming him at UFC Vegas 104 on Saturday night is Roman Dolidze who looks to make it 2-0 in the rematch.
Vettori (19-6-1) returned after a long layoff made longer due to a shoulder injury. Last fight out was a loss to Jared Cannonier in another APEX headliner. Even with the loss he’s still a contender for the 185 title, but he needed to a win against Dolidze.
Dolidze (14-3) looked to make it three consecutive victories at UFC Vegas 104 coming in with wins over Anthony Smith and Kevin Holland. He expressed confidence at media day in the rematch from a fight that took place in 2023.
Round 1 Vettori forgot his cup and didn’t realize it until his walkout. After a few minutes he finally got his cup in place and entered the octagon. Definitely seemed like he was mentally off this week, and this did not help.
Vettori worked kicks to the legs and the arms with Dolidze throwing heavy hooks when given the chance. A quick head butt bought both men a quick time out.
Dolidze continued to hunt the Italian landing combos with a right hook at the end of them that could finish the fight if landed clean. Vettori did well to avoid those early.
The Georgian fighter was really wanting to land that right hook on his opponent. He would throw them alone or set up with a combination. Vettori focused on his kick attacks.
The round felt like a continuation of the first fight, but it was clearly a feel out round for both men.
Round 2 referee Herb Dean took a quick time out to explain to Dolidze that he has to watch his fingers in order to avoid an eye poke. Seconds later Dolidze poked Vettori in the eyes. No point was taken even though he was warned.
The action picked up with Vettori putting combinations together, but Dolidze continuing to try to land that right hook. Vettori wasn’t as foot heavy as he normally is with his mobility, but Dolidze was still able to reach him.
Vettori tried to use his quickness to land strikes, but Dolidze was good at seeing his attacks. Near the end of the round Vettori landed a left hook cleanly.
Round 3 Dolidze came out more aggressive putting the pressure on Vettori and throwing plenty up top.
A big left hand from Vettori rocked Dolidze who rushed to his feet and reset position. Vettori tried to capitalize on it, but Dolidze was able to recover rather quickly.
Dolidze, now recovered, got back on game plan looking to land power shots up top. Throwing both right hooks and head kicks he still wasn’t able to land anything clean with Vettori staying very mobile.
Dolidze attempted a takedown at the end of the round, but nothing came of it.
Round 4 Dolidze came out more active throwing combinations and landing some heavy shots on the mobile Vettori.
Vettori slowed down quite a bit not sending too many combinations out. Everything turned into single strikes and Dolidze noticed. He put together a 4-punch combo, and a nasty back elbow.
Dolidze put some power back into his strikes in the fourth round as he noticed his opponent had slowed.
Round 5 and it felt like the cards were going Dolidze’s way. Vettori began to start emptying the tank and landed a big left hand. Things moved better until Dolidze landed a low blow.
After a very short break the two got back at it. Dolidze put his foot on the gas and started to land big shots up top including a head kick.
Both men had used up most of their energy going into the 5th, but Dolidze found a big extra as he put a strikes on Vettori that had the Italian trying to find room to do anything.
The fight went to the judges. Roman Dolidze got the nod via 49-46 score cards, and then called out former champions Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya.
Official Result: Roman Dolizde def. Marvin Vettori via Unanimous Decision (49-46×3)
