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Georgian MMA is making unbelievable progress. Following Ilia Topuria and Merab Dvalishvili, Roman Dolidze’s name is now echoing in the MMA world as a rising prospect. ‘The Caucasian’ punished former middleweight contender Marvin Vettori in their rematch at UFC Vegas 104. The fight was booked two years after Dolidze’s initial loss to Vettori in a three-round bout. However, when the rematch was set for five rounds, everything changed drastically. As Vettori lost his footing, he called for a trilogy—but is Dolidze interested in making it happen?

After losing his rematch Marvin Vettori took to his X handle to emphasize that the UFC should book a trilogy fight between them considering they are 1-1 now, “I guess we need a trilogy. The most nonsense trilogy I agree with you bastards lol. But at this point, it has to happen.” A trilogy battle has been called but what does ‘The Caucasian’ think about it? While having a conversation with the media at the UFC Vegas 104 presser, Roman Dolidze agreed to the rematch but with certain conditions.

“Let’s be fair here, he gave me this rematch. If UFC needed it and they tell me about it, I’ll probably do it, just out of respect. Because I respect that he agreed to fight me. Why would he do this? Back then, I was No. 10, he was No. 7. He said he thought that it was Roman Kopylov, and he agreed to fight me. And just because of that respect, of mine to him, I can do this. But the UFC will have other plans for me,” said Roman Dolidze.

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After the victory against Marvin Vettori, Dolidze is riding a three-fight winning streak and this will surely catapult his rankings in the coming days. So, what’s next for the fighter? ‘The Caucasian’ wasted no time as he immediately called out to the UFC to book him against either Israel Adesanya or Robert Whittaker, “I deserve a Top 5 fight, and there are two realistic fights for me,” he said in the cage after his win. “Either Whittaker or Adesanya. Let’s go! Just give me a date, that’s all I need. Nothing more!”

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Well, nothing can be said about what the UFC wants from the Georgian prospect but one thing is certain – this victory has raised his stocks inside the UFC roster. Let us have a look at what could be next for Roman Dolidze.

What’s coming for Roman Dolidze after UFC Vegas 104?

After challenging Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya, ‘The Caucasian’ has opened multiple doors for his next fight under the UFC banner. With his victory over Vettori, it is nearly certain that he will be ranked 8th in the middleweight division, taking Vettori’s place. The UFC could test his skills against fighters such as Anthony Hernandez(#9) and Jared Cannonier(#7) before giving him a battle at the top 5.

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What’s your perspective on:

Can Roman Dolidze break into the top 5, or is he biting off more than he can chew?

Have an interesting take?

Interestingly, Robert Whittaker in his statement has given an answer to Dolidze’s callout. While having a conversation with ‘The MMArcade podcast,’ the former middleweight champion ascertained that the Gerogian will have to wait in the queue as he is not in the mood to fight against him. “I’m trying to fight a top-five guy, dude. Join the queue. I wanna fight Sean [Strickland]. International Fight Week.” said Whittaker.

Israel Adesanya is yet to answer to the callout but the probability of Dolidze fighting Adesanya is quite slim for the moment. Well, as both Adesanya and Whittaker might not be keen on taking the fight, ‘The Caucasian’ might have to wait for his next opponent. Regardless, what are your thoughts on the Roman Dolidze’s career prospects? State your opinion in the comments below.

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Can Roman Dolidze break into the top 5, or is he biting off more than he can chew?

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