Roman Dolidze is a Georgian professional mixed martial artist competing in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on July 15, 1988, in Batumi, Georgian SSR, Soviet Union (now Georgia), Dolidze has established himself as a formidable presence in the world of MMA.
Before making his mark in the MMA world, Dolidze had a background in soccer, where he excelled as a professional goalkeeper in Turkey. Alongside his athletic pursuits, he pursued his studies in shipbuilding engineering, showcasing his dedication and commitment not only to sports but also to his education.
Dolidze’s journey in martial arts began with his training in sambo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and grappling. His dedication to mastering these disciplines paid off when he became the World Grappling Champion and European Grappling Champion, solidifying his reputation as an elite competitor.
In 2016, at the age of 28, Dolidze transitioned to professional MMA, making his debut and quickly amassing an impressive 4-0 record in the Ukrainian circuit. His talent and potential caught the attention of the UFC, leading to his signing with the organization. However, he faced a setback when he was suspended for one year due to a positive drug test.
Since his return, Dolidze has showcased his skills and resilience in the UFC, securing victories over esteemed opponents such as Khadis Ibragimov, John Allan, and Phil Hawes. These wins have solidified his position as a rising star in the Middleweight division.
Currently, Dolidze is gearing up for his upcoming fight against Jared Cannonier, scheduled for December 2, 2023. This highly anticipated bout will be a testament to his determination and drive to succeed in the competitive world of MMA.
Outside of the UFC, Dolidze has also achieved significant milestones in grappling, holding the prestigious WWFC Light Heavyweight Championship and earning the title of ADCC Asia & Oceania Champion. These accolades further highlight his versatility and skillset as a martial artist.
In conclusion, Roman Dolidze’s journey from soccer player to MMA fighter is a testament to his unwavering dedication and drive. With each fight, he continues to make waves in the MMA world, leaving audiences in awe of his tenacity and skill. As he continues to carve his path in the Middleweight division of the UFC, there is no doubt that Dolidze’s future is filled with endless possibilities and exciting matchups.
Early Life and Athletic Background
Born on July 15, 1988, in Batumi, Georgian SSR, Soviet Union (now Georgia), Roman Dolidze initially pursued a career in soccer, playing as a professional goalkeeper in Turkey. His passion for the sport led him to compete at a high level, showcasing his skills and determination between the goalposts.
Dolidze’s athletic abilities extended beyond the soccer field, as he later ventured into the world of shipbuilding engineering. His academic pursuits took him to Ukraine, where he focused on his studies while maintaining his passion for sports and physical training.
During his time in Ukraine, Dolidze discovered his talent for combat sports and began training in various disciplines, including sambo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and grappling. His dedication and hard work paid off, as he quickly made a name for himself in the grappling scene, earning esteemed titles such as the World Grappling Champion and European Grappling Champion.
| Notable Achievements |
|---|
| World Grappling Champion |
| European Grappling Champion |
“Training in different martial arts disciplines has been instrumental in shaping my MMA career. The skills and techniques I gained from grappling have been invaluable inside the Octagon.”
With a strong foundation in both athletics and academia, Roman Dolidze made the decision to transition to mixed martial arts (MMA) at the age of 28. He sought new challenges and opportunities to showcase his versatile skill set, making his professional MMA debut in 2016.
About Shipbuilding Engineering
While studying shipbuilding engineering, Dolidze gained valuable knowledge in designing, constructing, and maintaining ships. This technical expertise has not only complemented his MMA career but has also provided him with a unique perspective on precision, discipline, and attention to detail.
Transition to MMA
After studying shipbuilding engineering in Ukraine, Roman Dolidze began training in various martial arts disciplines, including sambo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and grappling. His dedication and natural talent in these disciplines quickly propelled him to success, earning him the titles of World Grappling Champion and European Grappling Champion.
Dolidze’s journey into mixed martial arts (MMA) started at the age of 28, and he made an immediate impact. Displaying his exceptional grappling skills and formidable striking abilities, he quickly caught the attention of the MMA community. His proficiency in sambo, a Soviet martial art known for its explosive throws and ground-based techniques, blended seamlessly with his proficiency in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a martial art focused on grappling and submissions. This combination made Dolidze a force to be reckoned with inside the cage.
With his impressive grappling background and technical precision, Dolidze showcased his skills in various promotions, earning victories over tough opponents and gaining recognition as a rising star in the MMA world. His ability to seamlessly transition between striking and grappling, along with his relentless pursuit of excellence, has set him apart from his competitors and solidified his reputation as a highly skilled fighter.
As Dolidze continues his MMA journey, his dedication to his craft and passion for the sport remain unwavering. With his upcoming fight against Jared Cannonier scheduled for December 2, 2023, fans eagerly anticipate watching Dolidze showcase his skills once again. The combination of his grappling prowess, striking power, and unwavering determination make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the Middleweight division of the UFC.
Professional MMA Debut and UFC Suspension
In 2016, Roman Dolidze made his professional MMA debut, amassing a flawless 4-0 record in the Ukrainian circuit before catching the attention of the UFC. His impressive performances inside the cage showcased his skills and potential, leading to his signing with the premier MMA organization in the world.
However, Dolidze’s journey faced a roadblock when he tested positive for a banned substance, resulting in a suspension from competition. The UFC has a zero-tolerance policy for performance-enhancing drugs, and Dolidze’s suspension lasted for one year.
During this period of suspension, Dolidze had time to reflect on his actions and rebuild himself both physically and mentally. He used the setback as a learning experience and returned to the octagon with a renewed determination to prove himself as a clean and skilled athlete.
Since his return, Dolidze has silenced any doubts surrounding his abilities, delivering impressive performances inside the UFC octagon. He has secured victories over tough opponents such as Khadis Ibragimov, John Allan, and Phil Hawes, showcasing his well-rounded skill set and adaptability.
Dolidze’s future in the UFC looks promising as he continues to climb the ranks in the Middleweight division. On December 2, 2023, he is scheduled to face off against Jared Cannonier, another top-ranked fighter in the division. This challenging matchup presents an opportunity for Dolidze to further solidify his position among the elite in the UFC.
Successful UFC Career
Since his return from suspension, Roman Dolidze has had a successful career in the UFC, securing impressive victories over opponents such as Khadis Ibragimov, John Allan, and Phil Hawes. Known for his explosive power and well-rounded skill set, Dolidze has quickly established himself as a formidable force in the Octagon.
In his UFC debut, Dolidze faced off against Khadis Ibragimov, showcasing his striking prowess and relentless aggression. He dominated the fight, delivering a series of punishing strikes that ultimately led to a statement-making knockout victory. This win demonstrated Dolidze’s ability to finish fights in spectacular fashion.
Continuing his winning streak, Dolidze faced John Allan in his next bout. Displaying his versatility, Dolidze utilized his strong grappling background to control the fight from start to finish. Through a combination of takedowns, ground and pound, and submission attempts, Dolidze secured a unanimous decision victory, further solidifying his position in the UFC’s Middleweight division.
Most recently, Dolidze squared off against prospect Phil Hawes. In a closely contested battle, Dolidze showcased his resilience and toughness, weathering early adversity to ultimately secure a unanimous decision win. This victory demonstrated Dolidze’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges inside the Octagon.
Current and Future Fights
Roman Dolidze is set to face off against Jared Cannonier in an exciting matchup scheduled for December 2, 2023. This highly anticipated fight in the Middleweight division of the UFC has fans eagerly awaiting the clash between these two skilled fighters.
Dolidze, known for his impressive grappling skills, will be looking to showcase his expertise in the octagon once again. With a background in sambo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and grappling, he has proven himself to be a formidable force in the MMA world. His victories over Khadis Ibragimov, John Allan, and Phil Hawes have solidified his place as a rising star in the Middleweight division.
On the other hand, Jared Cannonier brings his own set of skills to the table. A powerful striker with a background in kickboxing, Cannonier has displayed knockout power and impressive technique in his previous fights. This clash of styles between Dolidze’s grappling and Cannonier’s striking will undoubtedly make for an exhilarating matchup.
As the fight draws near, both fighters are undoubtedly training hard and strategizing to secure a victory. With so much at stake, this bout has all the makings of a memorable showdown that fans won’t want to miss.
| Roman Dolidze | Jared Cannonier |
|---|---|
| Georgian Middleweight Fighter | American Middleweight Fighter |
| Expert in grappling and submission | Powerful striker with knockout power |
| Wins over Khadis Ibragimov, John Allan, and Phil Hawes | Impressive victories against notable opponents |
| Upcoming fight: December 2, 2023 | Highly anticipated matchup |
Grappling Achievements
In addition to his MMA accomplishments, Roman Dolidze has also achieved significant recognition in the world of grappling, holding the title of WWFC Light Heavyweight Champion and being crowned the ADCC Asia & Oceania Champion.
Dolidze’s success in grappling can be attributed to his exceptional technique, strength, and years of dedicated training. As the WWFC Light Heavyweight Champion, he showcased his grappling prowess against formidable opponents, demonstrating his ability to control and submit his adversaries with precision.
Furthermore, Dolidze’s victory as the ADCC Asia & Oceania Champion solidifies his status as a force to be reckoned with in the grappling community. The ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious grappling tournaments in the world, attracting elite competitors from various disciplines.
With his impeccable grappling skills and a track record of success, Roman Dolidze has etched his name in the annals of the sport. His achievements in both MMA and grappling reflect his dedication and passion for martial arts, making him a standout figure in the combat sports realm.
