A pivotal middleweight bout between Marvin Vettori and surging contender Roman Dolidze is targeted for the UFC’s return to the U.K.
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that a fight between Vettori and Dolidze is being finalized for UFC 286, which takes place March 18 at the O2 Arena in London. UFC broadcast partner ESPN was first to report the agreed upon matchup.
Vettori is determined to return to form after losing a unanimous decision at UFC Paris to Robert Whittaker in September. He is the No. 4 ranked middleweight in MMA Fighting’s Global Rankings has dropped two of his last three, bout including a decision loss to then-champ Israel Adesanya at UFC 263 in June 2021. He was defeated by Paulo Costa at UFC Vegas 41., his only victory.
Dolidze enjoyed a successful 2022 campaign that saw finishes by Phil Hawes and Kyle Daukaus. Jack Hermansson was also present at UFC Orlando this month. Dolidze, who has four consecutive victories to his credit, climbed up the MMA Fighting Global Rankings at No. 15.
Damon Martin was a contributor to this report.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/16/23511447/marvin-vettori-vs-roman-dolidze-in-the-works-for-ufc-286-in-london?rand=96749
