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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 19: Roman Dolidze of Georgia celebrates after his knockout victory over Khadis Ibragimov in their light heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event inside Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 19, 2020 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 19: Roman Dolidze of Georgia celebrates after his knockout victory over Khadis Ibragimov in their light heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event inside Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 19, 2020 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
UFC middleweights Roman Dolidze and Laureano Staropoli will meet in the middle at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs Sakai. Given their track record, there’s a good chance that a ‘Performance of the Night’ bonus could be awarded. In terms of bringing forth the pressure, very few can match the speed and ferocity of the fringe contenders.
The aforementioned fight card has several fights like Dolidze vs Staropoli that offer compelling narratives from start to finish. What’s more, is that the card is receiving buzz online as the UFC is returning after a week-long hiatus.
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UFC Fight Night: Roman Dolidze vs Laureano Staropoli
Roman ‘The Caucasian’ is coming off the first loss of his professional career after he lost a decision to Trevin Giles. Dolidze is part of the Georgian revolution taking place in the UFC with surging names like Merab Dvalishvili and Giga Chikadze. While Roman Dolidze hasn’t found the same success as his counterparts, he’s looking to make a statement on Saturday night.

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 05: (R-L) Roman Dolidze of Georgia punches John Allan of Brazil in a light heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on December 05, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
The Extreme Couture standout relies heavily on his explosiveness and athleticism that usually translates into violent KO’s. He’s heavy on his lead leg and has accrued some quick finishes by darting in and out of range. Not to mention, his ground game is as solid as they come with two wins via heel hook in just nine pro fights.
‘El Matador’: Bouncing back from a skid
Laureano Staropoli is on a two-fight skid and is in a precarious position heading into his fight against Dolidze. Tim Means stretched out a unanimous decision win back in August 2020 and Staropoli hasn’t been able to secure a bout since then. He’s 2-2 in the UFC and desperately needs to come back strong against Roman Dolidze.

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 08: (L-R) Laureano Staropoli of Argentina punches Tim Means in their welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on August 08, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
‘El Matador’ can go blow for blow with anyone, as indicated by his 56% KO/TKO rate across his career. What’s more, it’s his durability that gives him the edge when engaging in a firefight with his opponent. However, he’ll have to be wary of Dolidze’s explosiveness, especially when he cuts off the cage and angles in.
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Prediction: Roman Dolidze to claim a second-round submission win.
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