Roman Dolidze Bio
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, he began his professional MMA career in 2016 and has since earned recognition for his diverse martial arts skills and championship titles.
Early Life and Background
Roman Dolidze was born in Batumi, Georgia, and spent his early years playing soccer, including three years as a professional goalkeeper in Turkey. At age 20, he moved to Ukraine to study shipbuilding engineering at the Odesa Maritime Academy, where he also began training in sambo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and grappling. He later earned a degree in business administration. His grappling achievements include becoming the World Grappling Champion and the European Grappling Champion under United World Wrestling rules, as well as winning the ADCC Asia & Oceania Championship in 2016.
Path to MMA
Dolidze transitioned to mixed martial arts at age 28, leveraging his grappling background to establish a strong foundation. He made his MMA debut in 2016 fighting out of Odesa, Ukraine, quickly building an undefeated record in the regional circuit. His early success included winning the World Warriors Fight Championship (WWFC) light heavyweight title by knockout, showcasing his striking and submission skills. These accomplishments paved the way for his entry into the UFC.
Roman Dolidze Career
Early Career (2016–2019)
Roman Dolidze began his professional MMA career in 2016, initially competing in Ukraine. He won his first four fights, culminating in capturing the WWFC Light Heavyweight Championship by knocking out Eder de Souza. He successfully defended this title with a third-round knockout of Michał Pasternak. His early career was marked by a blend of striking power and grappling expertise, which made him a formidable competitor in the light heavyweight division.
During this period, Dolidze also faced a setback when he tested positive for banned substances in 2019, resulting in a one-year suspension. After serving his suspension, he returned to competition with renewed focus and determination.
UFC Breakthrough (2020–Present)
Roman Dolidze made his UFC debut in July 2020, defeating Khadis Ibragimov via first-round technical knockout. He followed this with a split decision win over John Allan and transitioned to the Middleweight division in 2021, where he faced Trevin Giles in a close unanimous decision loss. He bounced back with a unanimous decision victory over Laureano Staropoli, demonstrating his ability to adapt to a new weight class.
Dolidze continued to build momentum with notable wins including a first-round knockout of Kyle Daukaus in June 2022, earning a Performance of the Night award. He secured additional knockout victories over Phil Hawes and a TKO win against Jack Hermansson, each earning him further Performance of the Night honors. Despite a unanimous decision loss to Marvin Vettori in March 2023, Dolidze avenged this defeat with a unanimous decision win in their rematch in March 2025.
Current Team Era (American Kickboxing Academy, Xtreme Couture MMA) (2016–Present)
Roman Dolidze trains with American Kickboxing Academy and Xtreme Couture MMA, two prominent teams known for developing elite fighters. His training environment has contributed to his well-rounded skill set, combining striking, grappling, and fight IQ. His recent performances reflect his growth and ability to compete at the highest level in the UFC middleweight division.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Dolidze fights from an orthodox stance and is known for his reach advantage and striking power, with eight of his fifteen wins coming by knockout. His grappling background complements his striking, allowing him to control opponents on the ground and finish fights with submissions or ground-and-pound tactics. His strategic approach and adaptability have been key to his success in multiple weight classes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Dolidze’s career include winning the WWFC light heavyweight title early in his career, earning multiple Performance of the Night awards in the UFC, and competing in main event fights. His comeback victories and ability to defeat top contenders have established him as a significant presence in the middleweight division.
Roman Dolidze Career Wins
Roman Dolidze has amassed a professional MMA record of 15 wins and 4 losses. His victories span knockouts, submissions, and decisions, reflecting a versatile and effective fighting style across multiple promotions and weight classes.
UFC Highlights
In the UFC, Dolidze has secured several impressive wins, including knockouts over Kyle Daukaus and Phil Hawes, as well as a TKO victory against Jack Hermansson. His first UFC fight ended in a first-round knockout, setting the tone for his impactful presence in the organization. He has earned multiple Performance of the Night bonuses, underscoring his exciting fighting style.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Dolidze was the WWFC light heavyweight champion and earned titles in grappling competitions such as the ADCC Asia & Oceania Championship and the World Grappling Championship. These achievements highlight his strong grappling credentials and competitive success outside of MMA.
Roman Dolidze Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Roman Dolidze resides in Batumi, Georgia. He is a father to three sons. Details about his spouse or marital status have not been publicly disclosed. His family life remains private, with his focus primarily on his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Roman Dolidze has remained an active and competitive fighter in the UFC middleweight division. He headlined UFC Fight Night 254 in March, defeating Marvin Vettori by unanimous decision, demonstrating his continued evolution and resilience. Later in August, he faced Anthony Hernandez in a main event but lost via submission. Despite this setback, Dolidze’s performances have kept him relevant in the division’s rankings. His scheduled bouts have experienced changes due to opponent injuries and other factors, but he remains a key contender with a strong team supporting his career trajectory.