Roman Dolidze Makes Bold Move: Calls Out MMA Elites Whittaker and Adesanya After Dominating Vettori

The MMA world is buzzing after Roman Dolidze’s calculated power move following his UFC Fight Night triumph. After outclassing Marvin Vettori in a unanimous decision victory, Dolidze wasted no time setting his sights on bigger game – specifically calling out former champions Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya.

I’ve seen plenty of post-fight callouts in my years covering the sport, but there was something particularly striking about Dolidze’s approach. It wasn’t just what he said, but how he said it – with the confident calculation of a man who knows exactly where he stands in the middleweight hierarchy.

The Georgian Warrior’s Strategic Callout

Dolidze’s victory over Vettori wasn’t just impressive – it was a statement. The Georgian fighter displayed improved striking, tactical awareness, and the same gritty determination that’s become his calling card in the octagon.

“I want Robert Whittaker or Israel Adesanya next,” Dolidze declared in the post-fight interview, his voice steady despite having just gone three hard rounds. “I’ve earned my shot at the elite of this division.”

And you know what? He’s not wrong. This victory marks Dolidze’s most significant win to date, proving he belongs in conversations about the middleweight elite.

Breaking Down Dolidze’s Performance Against Vettori

Before we dive into what these callouts mean, let’s appreciate what Dolidze accomplished against Vettori – no easy task considering “The Italian Dream” has only lost to the division’s absolute best.

Dolidze controlled the pace throughout, neutralizing Vettori’s pressure and landing the more impactful strikes. His grappling advantage was evident, and his cardio held up impressively over three rounds – something that’s been questioned in previous outings.

Why Whittaker and Adesanya Make Sense

Let’s be real – Dolidze is playing chess, not checkers with these callouts. Both Whittaker and Adesanya represent the perfect risk-reward ratio for his career trajectory:

• Name Recognition: Both are former champions with massive fan bases
• Stylistic Matchups: Dolidze’s grappling could pose problems for both strikers
• Title Implications: Beating either would likely earn him a shot at champion Dricus Du Plessis

Whittaker, known for his technical brilliance, presents a different challenge than Adesanya’s creative striking and evasiveness. Either matchup would force Dolidze to elevate his game further.

What This Means for the Middleweight Division

The 185-pound weight class is experiencing a renaissance. With Du Plessis as champion, Strickland still in the mix, and veterans like Whittaker and Adesanya hunting for another title shot, Dolidze’s emergence adds another fascinating wrinkle.

If I were playing matchmaker, I’d lean toward the Whittaker fight. “The Reaper” is coming off a loss to Du Plessis and needs a high-stakes comeback fight, while Adesanya might be holding out for a more direct path back to the title.

Fan Reactions Tell the Story

You don’t have to take my word for it – the online MMA community exploded with reactions to Dolidze’s callouts. Social media forums are divided, with some fans praising his ambition while others question if he’s ready for such elite competition.

“Dolidze vs. Whittaker would be fireworks,” wrote one Twitter user, while another commented, “He needs one more win before challenging those guys.”

What do you think? Is Dolidze ready for the former champions, or should he face another contender first?

What’s Next for the Georgian Contender?

While nothing is official yet, Dolidze’s stock has never been higher. At 36 years old, he’s making his move at precisely the right time, understanding the championship window won’t stay open forever.

The UFC’s matchmakers face an interesting decision. Do they grant Dolidze his wish for a former champion, or do they match him with another rising contender? Names like Jared Cannonier or even a rematch with Sean Strickland could also make sense.

One thing’s certain – Roman Dolidze is no longer flying under the radar. His performance against Vettori and subsequent callouts have guaranteed that all eyes will be on his next booking announcement.

The Bottom Line

Roman Dolidze has thrown his hat into the ring with the middleweight elite. His victory over Vettori wasn’t just another win – it was a coming-out party for a fighter ready to challenge the division’s very best.

Whether he gets Whittaker, Adesanya, or another top contender next, Dolidze has positioned himself exactly where he wants to be – in the conversation for title contention.

What matchup would you most like to see for Dolidze? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!

Stay tuned for updates on Dolidze’s next fight announcement, which we’ll bring to you as soon as it breaks.