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Roman Dolidze finally got his revenge on Marvin Vettori, delivering a commanding performance to claim victory in the UFC Vegas 104 main event. Their previous encounter in 2023 ended in disappointment for Dolidze, but this time, with five rounds at his disposal, he proved his growth as a fighter and left no doubt in the judges’ minds.
From the opening bell, the fight mirrored their first clash, with both middleweights engaging in calculated boxing exchanges. The striking remained fairly even in the early rounds, making it difficult to determine a clear advantage. However, Dolidze's improved endurance and ability to land cleaner shots in crucial moments gradually set him apart.
Despite a warning from referee Herb Dean for extended fingers—which led to an accidental eye poke—Dolidze stayed composed. Vettori briefly shifted momentum in the third round by rocking the Georgian fighter with a heavy right hand. Smelling blood, Vettori pressed forward with a flurry of strikes, but Dolidze managed to evade major damage and quickly regained control.
Sensing the fight slipping away, Dolidze turned up the pressure, marching Vettori down while throwing sharper combinations. Though Vettori attempted to rally in the final round, Dolidze's superior output and finishing ability stood out, just as it had throughout the fight. In the closing moments, he unleashed a devastating head kick, followed by a powerful knee that nearly ended the bout.
By the time the final horn sounded, Dolidze’s strong finish made all the difference, leading to a unanimous decision victory with identical 49-46 scorecards. As Vettori walked away frustrated with the result, Dolidze celebrated a defining win in his career.
"I want to say a big thanks to Marvin for agreeing to fight me," Dolidze said post-fight. "This fight was significant for me, first of all mentally to show I can go five rounds hard."
With this statement victory, Dolidze now has his sights set on even bigger challenges. He wasted no time calling for a top-five opponent, specifically mentioning former champions Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya as potential next foes.
"I deserve a top 5 fight," Dolidze declared. "There are two realistic fights for me. It’s [Robert] Whittaker or [Israel] Adesanya, let’s go, just give me a date, nothing more."
Meanwhile, Vettori faces uncertainty after his latest setback. The loss marks his third defeat in four fights, and after a 21-month layoff, his once-strong standing in the middleweight rankings appears to be in jeopardy. With momentum on his side, Dolidze is primed for a major step forward—and he’s made it clear that only elite competition will satisfy him next.