UFC Vegas 104: Dolidze’s Dominant Rematch Against Vettori Sets Stage For Middleweight Contenders

UFC Vegas 104, held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, was a night filled with thrilling matchups and stunning upsets, but none captured the attention quite like the main event rematch between Roman Dolidze and Marvin Vettori. This highly anticipated bout marked a significant moment in the middleweight division, as Dolidze avenged his previous loss to Vettori with a resounding unanimous decision victory.

The Main Event: Vettori vs. Dolidze 2

The first encounter between these two fighters took place in March 2023 at UFC 286, where Vettori emerged victorious via a unanimous decision in a closely contested three-round fight. However, their rematch at UFC Vegas 104 was a different story altogether. The bout was extended to five rounds, giving both fighters ample opportunity to showcase their skills and endurance.

Roman Dolidze, ranked No. 11 among middleweights, entered the fight on a two-win streak after defeating Anthony Smith and Kevin Holland in his previous outings. His performance against Vettori was nothing short of impressive, as he managed to outmaneuver the Italian fighter in four out of five rounds. Dolidze’s powerful strikes left a lasting impact, particularly a knee strike in the fourth round that caused a significant cut near Vettori’s eye.

On the other hand, Marvin Vettori, ranked No. 8 in the middleweight division, was returning to the octagon after nearly two years of inactivity. His last fight was a loss to Jared Cannonier in June 2023, and he had been dealing with shoulder injuries that required significant surgery. Despite his best efforts, Vettori couldn’t replicate his success from their first meeting. He had a strong third round but ultimately fell short in the judges’ eyes, losing by unanimous decision with all scorecards reading 49-46.

Other Highlights from UFC Vegas 104

While the main event stole the show, the undercard was filled with exciting finishes that left fans on the edge of their seats. Here are some of the notable results:

• Chidi Njokuani vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos: Njokuani secured a TKO victory in the second round, finishing the fight with a series of ground strikes after knocking dos Santos down with a knee.
• Alexander Hernandez vs. Kurt Holobaugh: Hernandez won via decision, taking the fight 29-28 on two scorecards and losing one 28-29.
• Da’Mon Blackshear vs. Cody Gibson: Blackshear continued his impressive run with a submission victory via kimura in the second round.
• Brendson Ribeiro vs. Diyargozh: Ribeiro secured a quick submission win in the first round.
• Kevin Vallejos vs. Seungwoo Choi: Vallejos emerged victorious with a knockout in the first round.
• Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Ryan Spann: Cortes-Acosta finished Spann with punches to the head from the ground in the first round.
• Suyoung You vs. AJ Cunningham: You won via unanimous decision, with all judges scoring the fight 30-27 in his favor.
• Carlos Vera vs. Josias Musasa: Vera pulled off a stunning upset with a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.
• Sam Hughes vs. Stephanie Luciano: Hughes took the win via split decision.
• André Lima vs. Barez: Lima secured a rear-naked choke submission in the third round.
• Priscila Cachoeira vs. Josiane Nunes: Cachoeira won with a knockout punch in the first round.
• Carli Judice vs. Uneisyen: Judice finished the fight with a kick and punches in the first round.

What’s Next for Roman Dolidze?

Following his victory, Roman Dolidze expressed his desire to face either Robert Whittaker or Israel Adesanya, both former UFC middleweight champions. This bold move could potentially catapult him into title contention if he manages to secure a win against either of these formidable opponents. Dolidze’s confidence in his abilities is well-founded, given his recent performances and the momentum he has built in the division.

To explore more about how fighters like Dolidze prepare for high-stakes bouts, see our article on training regimens of top UFC fighters.

The Future of the Middleweight Division

The middleweight division is one of the most competitive in the UFC, with a plethora of talented fighters vying for the top spot. Roman Dolidze’s win over Marvin Vettori adds another layer of complexity to the division’s hierarchy. As fighters like Sean Strickland, Jack Hermansson, and Jared Cannonier continue to make their mark, the stage is set for some thrilling matchups in the coming months.

Marvin Vettori’s Road to Recovery

For Marvin Vettori, the road to recovery will be crucial. His performance against Dolidze showed glimpses of his former self, but the Italian fighter will need to regroup and reassess his strategy if he hopes to climb back into title contention. Vettori’s experience and skillset are undeniable, but he faces stiff competition in a division filled with hungry contenders.

To learn more about how fighters like Vettori navigate setbacks and injuries, check out our guide on recovery strategies for MMA athletes.

Fan Reaction and Social Media Buzz

The reaction to UFC Vegas 104 was electric, with fans taking to social media to express their thoughts on the event. Roman Dolidze’s performance was widely praised, with many calling for him to face top-tier opponents next. The buzz around his potential matchups with Robert Whittaker or Israel Adesanya has already started to build, setting the stage for what could be some of the most anticipated fights of the year.

Conclusion

UFC Vegas 104 was a testament to the ever-changing landscape of the middleweight division. Roman Dolidze’s win over Marvin Vettori not only avenged his previous loss but also marked a significant step forward in his career. As the division continues to evolve, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and unexpected upsets. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just tuning in, the world of UFC is always full of surprises, and events like UFC Vegas 104 remind us why it remains one of the most captivating sports globally.

For those interested in diving deeper into the world of MMA, check out our comprehensive guide to MMA training for beginners or explore the latest UFC news and rumors. Discover how fighters maintain their edge through advanced training techniques and innovative strategies at UFC training insights.