It’s a pivotal year for Roman Dolidze and his UFC career. The Georgian middleweight has boldly declared 2025 as his “revenge tour,” a year to settle scores from past losses and establish himself as a top contender in the UFC’s 185-pound division.
From Football to Fighting: Dolidze’s Unique Journey
Roman Dolidze’s can be considered as a late bloomer by todays standards. Before stepping into the Octagon, he played professional football in Ukraine, only discovering Mixed Martial Arts when he was well into his twernties. Unlike most fighters who peak early, Dolidze debuted in the UFC in 2020 and quickly made waves, amassing an 8-3 record. He amassed highlight-reel finishes over the likes of Kevin Holland and Anthony Smith which showcased his blend of knockout power and grappling finesse. Yet, it’s his three UFC losses—to Trevin Giles, Nassourdine Imavov, and Marvin Vettori—that drive his 2025 revenge mission.
Kicking Off the Revenge Tour: Roman Dolidze vs. Marvin Vettori 2
The first stop on Dolidze’s 2025 ‘revenge tour’ is a headliner with long term middleweight contender, Marvin Vettori. Their 2023 clash ended in a unanimous decision loss for Dolidze, a fight where he showed promise but couldn’t maintain momentum. Now, headlining UFC Vegas 104, Dolidze has a chance to flip the script. Vettori, ranked in the top 10, is a 75% favorite per betting odds, but Dolidze’s recent wins suggest he’s a live underdog. With improved cardio and sharper striking, a victory here could catapult him into the middleweight elite.
Aiming for Redemption: Imavov and the Bigger Picture
Beyond Vettori, Dolidze has his eyes on Nassourdine Imavov, who bested him in 2022. Imavov’s rise in the rankings makes a rematch a potential title-eliminator down the line. While avenging his debut loss to Trevin Giles might be trickier due to Giles’ sporadic fights, it’s part of Dolidze’s mental checklist. Each win in 2025 brings him closer to erasing those setbacks and climbing the middleweight ladder.
The UFC middleweight division is ripe for disruption. With Dricus Du Plessis as champion and Israel Adesanya’s dominance fading, contenders like Sean Strickland and Jared Cannonier loom as future tests. Dolidze’s explosive style—six of his eight UFC wins are finishes—could make him a matchup nightmare for anyone in the top 10.
Why 2025 Could Be Dolidze’s Breakout Year
What does a breakout year look like for Roman Dolidze? It’s three to four wins, at least two avenged losses, and a spot in the top 5 by December 2025. At 36, he’s older than most rising stars, but his late MMA start means fewer miles on his body. His keys to success include refined stamina, smarter fight decisions, and unleashing the power that’s earned him a 75% finish rate in the UFC.
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