Will Roman Dolidze recreate the nightmare for his upcoming opponent like at UFC Vegas 104?

After a narrow and controversial loss in their first encounter, Roman Dolidze returned to the Octagon with renewed focus and a calculated game plan to settle the score with Marvin Vettori at UFC Vegas 104. With a dominant unanimous decision victory, the Georgian powerhouse proved not only his evolution as a fighter but also his readiness to climb the middleweight ranks. This rematch wasn’t just about revenge — it was a showcase of discipline, growth, and the maturity of a rising contender now firmly in title conversations.

A Rematch Years in the Making

On March 15, 2025, Roman “The Caucasian” Dolidze headlined UFC Fight Night 254, also known as UFC Vegas 104, delivered a polished performance that avenged his controversial 2023 loss to Marvin Vettori. Judges awarded Dolidze a unanimous decision (49–46, 49–46, 49–46), displaying an evolution in strategy and maturity.

Tactical Redemption: What Changed in the Rematch

Mindset Shift

Dolidze himself admitted before the fight that in their first encounter, he fought with unchecked aggression. This time, he entered with controlled intensity:

“In our first fight, I went hard just because of aggression. Now I am ready to control my aggression… I can go hard for five rounds.”

That emotional discipline was crucial, especially as Marvin Vettori is well-known for his durability—never having been finished by stoppage in his MMA career.

Strike Command

Dolidze significantly out-landed Vettori: 134 significant strikes vs. 105, including a knee that rocked Vettori in the fourth round.

Grappling Neutralized

Although primarily a grappler, Dolidze attempted only one takedown—opting instead to rely on his improved striking and circling to control distance.

Professional Growth: From Fury to Finesse

Roman’s improved composure shown in how he paced himself over five rounds. MMA analyst Aljamain Sterling praised his execution:

“Very even scrap but I have Dolidze up… finishing this round strong should seal the win for the Georgian powerhouse.”

Such commentary reflects Dolidze’s transformation into a well-rounded contender, able to blend power with consistency.

Backstory in MMA: A Late Start but Soaring Trajectory

Dolidze began his UFC career late—entering at age 28 after a long tenure in WWFC (World Warrior Fighting Championship).
Since then:

• He has showcased power (TKO wins over Jack Hermansson and Kevin Holland),

• Technical growth (decision wins over Anthony Smith & Vettori),

• Mental resilience (consistent performance across fight types).

By early 2025, Dolidze reached a 7‑2 record over his last nine fights, and firmly broke into the division’s Top 10.

The Vettori Effect: Lessons Learned & Applied

In a pre-fight interview, Dolidze shared what he learned from their first bout:

“Marvin is a very durable fighter… it’s hard to finish him. Deep inside, I want to be the first.” 

This awareness led Dolidze to manage pacing, conserve energy, and tighten technique—a blueprint for conscious fighting.

What Experts and Fans Said

Victor of the night: Roman Dolidze.

• MMA analysts and former fighters noted the clear strategic growth.

• On forums like Reddit, r/MMA and r/UFC trended phrases like “Roman is next for top‑five” and “Come credentials check for Dolidze.”

Vettori’s perspective:
Despite respect for his opponent, Vettori sounded defeated—posting on Instagram:

“I almost had him in the third… but clearly I fell short.” 

Ranking Impact & Implications for Title Contention

The win over Vettori solidified Dolidze’s path toward a title shot. With Du Plessis vs. Chimaev scheduled soon, Dolidze appears positioned as a primary challenger pending another victory.

His next opponent? Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez, slated to headline UFC on ESPN 72 (Vegas 109) on August 9, 2025.

Hernandez Preview: A Clash of Styles

Anthony Hernandez brings a unique threat:

• A consistent record since 2020 (7‑fight win streak), includes victories over Brendan Allen, Michel Pereira, and Roman Kopylov.

• Excellent striker—he lands 4.5 significant strikes per minute while absorbing far fewer, boasting one of the top striking differentials in the division.

• Primarily wins by submission—but recent knockouts reveal growing power.

Betting lines heavily favor Hernandez (around –330), though experts caution Dolidze’s proven cardio and relentless style could pull an upset.

Why Dolidze vs. Hernandez Matters

• Both are ranked in the Top 10, signaling importance to Middleweight tier alignments.

• Dolidze tests Hernandez’s gas tank and ground defense,

• Hernandez offers a pressure test with power and relentlessness.

The winner likely moves into title or elite contender talks, possibly facing names like Whittaker or Adesanya next.

Dolidze’s Legacy Building

From challenging early exits to a well-rounded contender, Dolidze has evolved:

• Learned patience.

• Mastered striking growth.

• Built composure in the cage—not just chaos.

If he can upset Hernandez, his career narrative shifts from late-bloomer to title-contender status within months.

Emotional Undercurrents: More Than Victories

• His rematch win delivered emotional closure—a public redemption.

• Dolicze’s statements about understanding loss, controlling rage, and respect for Vettori highlight mental growth.

• Fans perceive his rise as the triumph of discipline and strategy over brute force.

Closing Thoughts: Dolidze’s Trajectory in Focus

Roman Dolidze’s rematch victory over Marvin Vettori wasn’t just revenge—it was a turning point. It demonstrated growth, strategy, and emotional intelligence. His upcoming fight with Anthony Hernandez stands as a defining moment: can he confirm his Top 10 status and inch toward a title shot?

For fans and analysts alike, Roman Dolidze is now a name to watch. His blend of resilience, measured aggression, and evolving game makes him not just an opponent—but a potential narrative shaper in the UFC’s Middleweight division.