UFC Vegas 104: Vettori and Dolidze Face Off in High-Stakes Rematch

LAS VEGAS, NV — The UFC returns to the UFC Apex this Saturday, March 15, for UFC Vegas 104, featuring a highly anticipated middleweight rematch between Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze. Their first encounter took place in March 2023, where Vettori claimed victory via unanimous decision. This time, both fighters are looking to solidify their positions in the 185-pound title chase.

Vettori (19-7-1), ranked No. 8 in the middleweight division, is making his return after suffering a unanimous decision loss to Jared Cannonier in June 2023. A shoulder injury sidelined him for nearly a year, requiring surgery after complications arose during physical therapy. Speaking about his return, Vettori stated, “It’s good to be back. After my last fight, I thought I needed some time off, so I switched gyms and started training for another fight, but then I got injured.”

On the other hand, Dolidze (14-3), now ranked No. 11, comes into this rematch after securing a victory over Anthony Smith at UFC 303, following his defeat to Vettori. Dolidze believes that the time off may have worked to Vettori’s advantage. “He hasn’t fought in a long time. Maybe he has time to change something in his game,” Dolidze noted. “But I still think I need to be more calm and control my anger, and that’s the key to win this fight.”

The first bout showcased Vettori’s striking efficiency, landing 106 of 218 significant strikes for an accuracy rate of 48 percent, while Dolidze landed 71 of his 192 strikes, achieving a 36 percent accuracy rate. Vettori’s diverse striking attacks, including 38 leg strikes and 60 head strikes, were pivotal in defining the match’s outcome.

As UFC Vegas 104 approaches, the betting odds have closely shifted, indicating Vettori as the -148 favorite against Dolidze’s +128. This reflects a slight change since the opening odds placed Vettori at -200. The fight promises to be closely contested, with fervent anticipation from fans and analysts alike.

Other bouts on the UFC Vegas 104 card include a co-main event welterweight clash between Chidi Njokuani and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, both vying for their third win in a row. Njokuani, who weighs in at 172.25 pounds, had to forfeit 20 percent of his purse due to being above the welterweight limit, while Zaleski checked in at 171 pounds.

The event will feature a total of 14 fights, kicking off preliminaries at 4 p.m. ET before the main card starts at 7 p.m. ET. Fans looking to catch all the action can stream the event on ESPN+.

In the lightweight division, Alexander Hernandez will face Kurt Holobaugh, as both fighters aim to regain their footing after past mixed results.

Overall, UFC Vegas 104 presents an intriguing lineup of bouts, but the spotlight remains on Vettori versus Dolidze, with each fighter eager to improve their rankings and enhance their title aspirations.