Vettori v Dolidze preview & free betting tips | UFC Fight Night

Top-10 middleweights Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze will run it back as the headliner for UFC Fight Night at the Apex in Las Vegas this Sunday (AEDT). Vettori outpointed Dolidze when the fighters met in 2023, but the Georgian has since rediscovered winning form to make this a competitive matchup. Vettori has been installed as a slight betting favourite with leading online bookies, but Dolidze is bound to have his supporters at generous odds.

Vettori v Dolidze UFC Fight Night main event preview

Marvin Vettori vs Roman Dolidze

Marvin Vettori (19-7-1) has been inconsistent since 2021, with two wins and three losses to show for his efforts inside the UFC octagon. The main cause of this indifferent form rests with the Italian’s inability to finish opponents inside the distance, as his last seven fights have all been decided by the judges. The 31-year-old is coming off a narrow decision loss to Jared Cannonier in June 2023 and may be a little rusty heading into this bout.

Vettori is a volume striker who can appear somewhat plodding at times, lacking the footwork to dominate the range war and compile the necessary points. He has battled the best talent in the middleweight division, including two losses to Israel Adesanya and one to Robert Whittaker. The eighth-ranked fighter at 185 pounds will need to produce a more dynamic display if he hopes to climb the ladder and press for another title shot any time soon.

Roman Dolidze (14-3-0) continues to perform at the highest level, with recent wins over Kevin Holland and Anthony Smith. The 36-year-old throws with greater power than Vettori and boasts eight knockout wins as an MMA professional. His chin is holding up well, and the Georgian has never been finished inside the distance. With a height and reach advantage, he should be able to land first throughout this bout.

Dolidze is large for the division and is unlikely to be overpowered during any grappling exchanges. He also throws vicious knees in the clinches, which will prove dangerous should the action enter close quarters. Given Vettori’s lengthy break, Dolidze should have superior fitness and can potentially exhaust the Italian over five long rounds.

Vettori v Dolidze UFC Fight Night predictions

This fight presents a challenge for punters, as neither athlete has ever been knocked out and both have a mediocre record with the judges. Of the two, Dolidze is probably more likely to score the knockout given his superior power. As it will be tough to predict the manner of victory, the safe bet is to back the underdog straight-up and hope he can maintain the pressure long enough to emerge triumphant.

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