In an exciting announcement for mixed martial arts fans, former title challenger Marvin Vettori is set to make his long-awaited return to the octagon, nearly two years after his last fight. The Italian powerhouse, holding a professional record of 19-7-1 (9-5-1 in the UFC), will take on Roman Dolidze, who ranks 13-4 in his career and stands at 7-4 in the UFC. This rematch, scheduled for the UFC Fight Night 254 on March 15 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, promises not only to rekindle their rivalry but also offers each fighter a chance at redemption.
The first encounter between Vettori and Dolidze took place at UFC 286 in March 2023, where Vettori emerged victorious through a unanimous decision. This victory came at a crucial time in Vettori’s career, demonstrating his resilience against top-tier opponents. However, his journey has since been tumultuous; only one fight has followed, resulting in a harsh defeat to Jared Cannonier in June 2023. This rematch against Dolidze poses significant stakes for Vettori, as he not only seeks to return to the winning column but also aims to reaffirm his status as a serious contender in the middleweight division.
For Dolidze, the rematch is framed as an opportunity for redemption. After his previous defeat, he has bounced back admirably, chalking up a record of 2-1 with significant victories against Kevin Holland and Anthony Smith in early 2024. However, his loss to Nassourdine Imavov casts a shadow over his recent successes. Now, Dolidze has the chance to avenge his earlier loss, both elevating his status in the sport and potentially pushing him further up the rankings.
What adds additional excitement to this rematch is the expansion of the fight duration from three rounds to five. Both fighters will have the chance to execute their strategies over a longer period, adding a layer of complexity to the matchup. For Vettori, this could mean leveraging his experience and grappling skills to secure control throughout the fight, while Dolidze will likely look to employ an aggressive striking approach to assert his dominance early on.
Moreover, the broader lineup for UFC Fight Night 254 augments the anticipation surrounding the match. Along with Vettori and Dolidze, the card features compelling bouts including Daniel Barez against Andre Lima and Waldo Cortes-Acosta facing Ryan Spann. The varying styles and narratives within these fights amplify the excitement, drawing fans to tune in for what promises to be an electrifying evening of fights.
As fight night approaches, both competitors are expected to refine their training regimens, preparing for the psychological and physical battleground that awaits. Vettori aims to overcome the ghosts of his recent past, while Dolidze hopes to seize a pivotal moment in his career. With both fighters bringing unique skill sets and motivations, this rematch symbolizes not only a clash of titans inside the octagon but also a deeply personal journey for each athlete involved. As they prepare for battle in March, fans eagerly anticipate who will emerge victorious in this high-stakes confrontation.