It wasn’t always pretty but Roman Dolidze did enough to get a win on short notice over Anthony Smith at UFC 303.
Of course, Dolidze accepted the fight just over a week ago after he replaced Carlos Ulberg, which required him to go up to 205 pounds after competing at middleweight for the majority of his career. While it wasn’t a highlight reel victory, Dolidze consistently connected with the better strikes and even dished out some punishment on the ground with Smith seemingly stuck a step behind at every turn.
In the end, the judges scored the fight 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28 with Dolidze getting the nod by unanimous decision.
“Top 10 in two weight classes!” Dolidze shouted after his win. “I don’t like to blame nothing. It’s fighting, you always need to be prepared. I will compete in both of them and will be champion. I’m ready for both weight classes.”
There were more than a few leg kicks being exchanged with Smith stalking Dolidze around the octagon, looking for an opening to throw a combination. Dolidze continued to circle away while chopping away at Smith’s foundation with kicks.
The exchanges on the feet continued until Dolidze rushed forward and the momentum carried Smith to the ground where he found himself on his back. Dolidze followed up with a barrage of punches, perhaps believing that Smith was hurt worse than he actually was in that moment.
Still, Dolidze maintained position on top as he continued to hammer away at Smith, who was resigned to just covering up and trying not to absorb too much damage. Dolidze was also throwing knees to the legs and even connected with one to the head when Smith made the ill-fated decision to try and get up, which left him in a bad position.
When the fight eventually did get back to the feet, Dolidze cracked Smith with a hard left hand that clipped the one-time title challenger. As the fight moved into the third round, Dolidze actually looked like the fresher fighter with Smith’s movement more labored as the fighters continued to trade strikes.
While the activity slowed from both fighters, Dolidze established a good jab with Smith realizing that time was running short for him to earn a victory. Sadly, Smith just couldn’t mount enough offense to turn the tables and Dolidze cruised to a win after taking the fight on short notice.
With the win, Dolidze obviously said he’s willing to compete in two weight classes but he’s got designs on a return to 185 pounds with hopes that he’ll draw a huge name in his next fight.
“I had one desire because this guy is very good,” Dolidze said. “Khamzat [Chimaev] … I want to see him at middleweight.”
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