Marvin Vettori vs. Roman Dolidze: A Middleweight Rematch for the Ages
On March 15, 2025, the UFC Apex in Las Vegas played host to an electrifying middleweight showdown as Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze clashed in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC Fight Night 254, also dubbed UFC Vegas 104. This five-round main event was a pivotal moment for both fighters, each looking to solidify their standing in the stacked 185-pound division. With their first encounter in 2023 ending in a unanimous decision victory for Vettori, the stakes were high for Dolidze to even the score—and he did just that, emerging victorious in a hard-fought battle that showcased the resilience and skill of both competitors.
The history between Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze dates back to March 18, 2023, at UFC 286 in London, where Vettori outworked Dolidze over three rounds to claim a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27). That fight was a striking affair, with Vettori’s higher output—landing 106 of 218 significant strikes compared to Dolidze’s 71 of 192—proving the difference. However, Dolidze’s power and tenacity left an impression, setting the stage for an inevitable rematch.
Fast forward nearly two years, and both fighters had taken different paths to UFC Vegas 104. Vettori, ranked No. 8 in the middleweight division, returned after a lengthy layoff following a brutal unanimous decision loss to Jared Cannonier in June 2023. The Italian fighter, known as “The Italian Dream,” had been sidelined by injuries and was eager to reassert himself as a top contender. Meanwhile, Dolidze, ranked No. 12, had been active in 2024, bouncing back from a loss to Nassourdine Imavov with consecutive wins over Anthony Smith and Kevin Holland. His momentum made him a dangerous foe, and with five rounds to work with this time, the Georgian was determined to flip the script.
From the opening bell, it was clear this rematch would be a different beast than their first meeting. Vettori, traditionally a pressure fighter, started cautiously, measuring his jab while circling on the outside. Dolidze, meanwhile, wasted no time unleashing his signature power, firing off high kicks and heavy right hands. The smaller Apex octagon seemed to amplify the intensity, forcing both men into close-quarters exchanges early on.
The first two rounds were tightly contested, with Vettori landing crisp combinations and Dolidze countering with thudding strikes. Vettori’s activity kept him in the game, but Dolidze’s power began to tell as the fight wore on. In the third round, Vettori found a moment of brilliance, wobbling Dolidze with a counter left hand and unloading a flurry that nearly ended the fight. Dolidze weathered the storm, however, and regained his composure by the end of the frame.
As the championship rounds began, Dolidze turned up the heat. His relentless pace and output started to overwhelm Vettori, who struggled to match the Georgian’s energy. In Round 5, Dolidze sealed the deal, landing clubbing right hands, body kicks, and a vicious collar-tie knee that had Vettori reeling. A late flurry of head kicks and a spinning elbow punctuated Dolidze’s dominant performance, leaving no doubt in the judges’ minds. When the scorecards were read—49-46 across the board—Roman Dolidze was declared the winner by unanimous decision, improving his UFC record to 9-3 and evening his personal tally with Vettori at 1-1.
Key Moments and Stats
– **Dolidze’s Fifth Round Surge**: The final frame was a masterclass from Dolidze, who outpaced Vettori with a mix of power and precision, showcasing his conditioning and fight IQ.
– **Vettori’s Third Round Rally**: The Italian’s near-finish in Round 3 highlighted his durability and striking prowess, though it wasn’t enough to shift the momentum.
– **Judges’ Scoring**: All three judges awarded Dolidze four of the five rounds, reflecting his edge in activity and impact over the 25-minute contest.
For Roman Dolidze, this victory marks his third straight win and a significant step toward the middleweight top 10. At 36 years old, the Georgian grinder has proven he’s still a force to be reckoned with, and a matchup against a higher-ranked opponent—perhaps the loser of an upcoming top-tier bout—could be on the horizon. His ability to adapt and outlast Vettori in a five-round war has bolstered his case as a dark horse in the division.
Marvin Vettori, now 19-8-1 in his MMA career, finds himself at a crossroads. The 31-year-old has alternated wins and losses over his last six fights, and this defeat drops him to 9-6-1 in the UFC. Despite the setback, Vettori’s post-fight comments hinted at a desire for a trilogy with Dolidze, though fan sentiment suggests the MMA community might prefer fresh matchups. Whether he opts to climb back toward title contention or faces a rising prospect next, Vettori’s heart and durability remain unquestioned.
UFC Fight Night 254’s main event delivered on its promise of high stakes and high action. Roman Dolidze’s triumph over Marvin Vettori was a testament to his growth as a fighter, while Vettori’s resilience kept the bout competitive until the final horn. As the dust settles, the middleweight division remains as unpredictable as ever, with both men leaving their mark on a memorable night in Las Vegas. Whether a trilogy materializes or new challenges await, one thing is certain: Vettori vs. Dolidze II will be remembered as a clash of wills that pushed both fighters to their limits.
