Roman Dolidze Avenges Previous Loss, Defeats Marvin Vettori at UFC Fight Night

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Roman Dolidze defeated Marvin Vettori by unanimous decision in a closely contested rematch during UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex on Saturday, March 15. This victory avenged Dolidze’s previous loss to Vettori in March 2023 and marked his third consecutive win in the promotion.

The main event showcased Dolidze’s improved striking and fight strategy over the five-round match. Dolidze landed 141 significant strikes, compared to Vettori’s 111. According to fight statistics, Dolidze demonstrated greater power and accuracy as he gained momentum in the later rounds.

“I carried the momentum from the fourth round into the final period,” Dolidze said in the post-fight interview. “I felt in control and was able to push the pace.”

The event started with a fast-paced preliminary card, where five of the seven bouts ended in finishes. Notable performances included Kevin Vallejos, who secured a stoppage in his UFC debut against SeungWoo Choi, and Da’Mon Blackshear garnering a second-round submission against Cody Gibson.

Chidi Njokuani continued his welterweight ascent, knocking out Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos in the co-main event. Njokuani, after a back-and-forth first round, exploited Zaleski’s aggression, landing a knee strike that led to the finish at 2:19 of Round 2.

“I have been adapting my game to welterweight and it feels good to get my first finish at this weight,” Njokuani stated.

In the lightweight bout, Alexander Hernandez earned a unanimous decision over Kurt Holobaugh, marking Hernandez’s second straight victory. The matchup saw Hernandez demonstrate superior striking and control in the later rounds.

The main card’s opening fight saw Dolidze face Vettori, who returned to the Octagon after a 21-month absence due to a shoulder injury. Vettori had previously lost to Jared Cannonier in June 2023 and was eager to bounce back. However, Dolidze’s improved game plan and striking led him to victory this time.

Unlike their first encounter, which was marked by Vettori’s effective counter-striking, Dolidze asserted himself with a more aggressive approach in this rematch.

“I learned from my last fight and focused on maintaining pressure,” Dolidze explained. “I wanted to ensure I was the one pushing the action, not just waiting for him.”

The event drew considerable attention as nine of the total 13 fights ended inside the distance. Fans and analysts alike were treated to an action-packed night filled with dynamic finishes and competitive matchups.

In summary, UFC Fight Night at the APEX was a resounding success, with Dolidze’s victory putting him in a promising position within the middleweight division as he looks toward future opportunities.