LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 14: (L-R) Opponents Marvin Vettori of Italy and Roman Dolidze of Georgia face off in the course of the UFC Battle Night time weigh-in on the Palace Station Lodge & On line casino on March 14, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Picture by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
UFC middleweight Marvin Vettori makes his return after an extended layoff, and welcoming him at UFC Vegas 104 on Saturday night time is Roman Dolidze who appears to make it 2-0 within the rematch.
Vettori (19-6-1) returned after an extended layoff made longer on account of a shoulder harm. Final struggle out was a loss to Jared Cannonier in one other APEX headliner. Even with the loss he’s nonetheless a contender for the 185 title, however he wanted to a win in opposition to Dolidze.
Dolidze (14-3) appeared 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 within the rematch from a struggle that occurred in 2023.
Spherical 1 Vettori forgot his cup and didn’t understand it till his walkout. After a couple of minutes he lastly received his cup in place and entered the octagon. Positively appeared like he was mentally off this week, and this didn’t assist.
Vettori labored kicks to the legs and the arms with Dolidze throwing heavy hooks when given the possibility. A fast head butt purchased each males a fast outing.
Dolidze continued to hunt the Italian touchdown combos with a proper hook on the finish of them that would end the struggle if landed clear. Vettori did properly to keep away from these early.
The Georgian fighter was actually eager to land that proper hook on his opponent. He would throw them alone or arrange with a mixture. Vettori targeted on his kick assaults.
The spherical felt like a continuation of the primary struggle, nevertheless it was clearly a really feel out spherical for each males.
Spherical 2 referee Herb Dean took a fast outing to clarify to Dolidze that he has to observe his fingers as a way to keep away from a watch poke. Seconds later Dolidze poked Vettori within the eyes. No level was taken although he was warned.
The motion picked up with Vettori placing combos collectively, however Dolidze persevering with to attempt to land that proper hook. Vettori wasn’t as foot heavy as he usually is together with his mobility, however Dolidze was nonetheless capable of attain him.
Vettori tried to make use of his quickness to land strikes, however Dolidze was good at seeing his assaults. Close to the tip of the spherical Vettori landed a left hook cleanly.
Spherical 3 Dolidze got here out extra aggressive placing the stress on Vettori and throwing lots up prime.
A giant left hand from Vettori rocked Dolidze who rushed to his ft and reset place. Vettori tried to capitalize on it, however Dolidze was capable of recuperate slightly shortly.
Dolidze, now recovered, received again on sport plan trying to land energy pictures up prime. Throwing each proper hooks and head kicks he nonetheless wasn’t capable of land something clear with Vettori staying very cell.
Dolidze tried a takedown on the finish of the spherical, however nothing got here of it.
Spherical 4 Dolidze got here out extra lively throwing combos and touchdown some heavy pictures on the cell Vettori.
Vettori slowed down fairly a bit not sending too many combos out. All the pieces become single strikes and Dolidze observed. He put collectively a 4-punch combo, and a nasty again elbow.
Dolidze put some energy again into his strikes within the fourth spherical as he observed his opponent had slowed.
Spherical 5 and it felt just like the playing cards had been going Dolidze’s method. Vettori started to start out emptying the tank and landed a giant left hand. Issues moved higher till Dolidze landed a low blow.
After a really quick break the 2 received again at it. Dolidze put his foot on the fuel and began to land large pictures up prime together with a head kick.
Each males had used up most of their vitality going into the fifth, however Dolidze discovered a giant further as he put a strikes on Vettori that had the Italian looking for room to do something.
The struggle went to the judges. Roman Dolidze received the nod by way of 49-46 rating playing cards, after which referred to as out former champions Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya.
Official End result: Roman Dolizde def. Marvin Vettori by way of Unanimous Resolution (49-46×3)
