UFC Vegas 104: Roman Dolidze Gets Revenge Against Marvin Vettori, What’s Next for ‘The Caucasian’?

In a pivotal rematch at UFC Vegas 104, Roman Dolidze avenged his previous loss to Marvin Vettori with a commanding unanimous decision victory. The Georgian fighter, known as “The Caucasian,” dominated the five-round bout, securing scores of 49-46 across the board. This win not only marks Dolidze’s third consecutive victory but also propels him into the upper echelons of the middleweight division, potentially positioning him for a top-five fight.

Roman Dolidze def Marvin Vettori By decision. #UFCVegas104 pic.twitter.com/DfWBBdMS2s

— MMA Forever (@PaulBryant56767) March 16, 2025

Dolidze’s performance against Vettori was a testament to his growth and strategic approach. He effectively utilized his striking and grappling skills to outmaneuver Vettori, who had previously bested him in a three-round bout at UFC 286 in March 2023. The rematch, however, was a different story, with Dolidze’s endurance and tactical adjustments proving decisive over the longer distance.

Following his victory, Dolidze called out former middleweight champions Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker, setting his sights on a top-five opponent. Both matchups would be significant for Dolidze, offering him the opportunity to secure a signature win and further establish himself as a contender in the division.

Roman Dolidze thinks he’s “being realistic” with callouts of Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker after #UFCVegas104. pic.twitter.com/cpeytxQtSy

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 16, 2025

Israel Adesanya: The Marquee Matchup

A fight against Israel Adesanya would be a dream matchup for Roman Dolidze. Adesanya, despite being on a three-fight losing streak, remains one of the most recognizable names in the middleweight division. His recent losses to Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, and Nassourdine Imavov have somewhat diminished his standing, but he still carries immense value as an opponent due to his past achievements as a champion.

For Dolidze, facing Adesanya would provide a chance to gain significant recognition and bolster his resume. Adesanya’s name alone would draw attention to the fight, potentially increasing Dolidze’s visibility and fan base. Moreover, a victory over Adesanya would be a monumental achievement, demonstrating Dolidze’s ability to compete against the best in the division.

Dolidze has expressed that fighting Adesanya would be particularly valuable due to the former champion’s high profile. “More important for me is the name,” Dolidze noted, highlighting the prestige that comes with facing someone of Adesanya’s stature. While Adesanya’s current form might make him a more accessible opponent, Dolidze is aware that securing this fight is contingent on the UFC’s plans and Adesanya’s willingness to accept the challenge.

Robert Whittaker: A Test of Endurance and Skill

On the other hand, a matchup against Robert Whittaker would present Roman Dolidze with a different set of challenges. Whittaker, a former middleweight champion, is known for his well-rounded skills and endurance. Despite his recent loss to Khamzat Chimaev, Whittaker remains a formidable opponent who can push Dolidze to his limits.

Whittaker has expressed his desire to fight a top-five opponent, specifically mentioning Sean Strickland, which might delay a potential bout with Dolidze. However, if the opportunity arises, facing Whittaker would be an excellent test for Dolidze. It would allow him to gauge his skills against a seasoned veteran who has held the championship belt.

A fight against Whittaker would also provide Dolidze with the chance to demonstrate his ability to handle a high-level opponent with a strong wrestling background. Whittaker’s experience and skillset would push Dolidze to adapt and showcase his versatility, potentially leading to a more well-rounded performance.

Both Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker would be excellent next opponents for Roman Dolidze. Each fight offers unique benefits, whether it be the prestige of facing a former champion like Adesanya or the challenge of testing his skills against a seasoned veteran like Whittaker. As Dolidze continues his ascent in the middleweight division, securing a fight against either of these opponents would be a significant step forward in his career. The question now is whether the UFC will grant him this opportunity, allowing him to further cement his position as a rising star in the MMA world.