Roman Dolidze called out former champions Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya for his next fight after defeating Marvin Vettori, criticizing Whittaker’s dismissive response and expressing frustration with the middleweight division’s stagnation while emphasizing his readiness to fight top-ranked opponents.
Roman Dolidze made two strategic callouts after his unanimous decision victory over Marvin Vettori, eyeing fights with Robert Whittaker or Israel Adesanya. This win marked his third consecutive triumph, and he’s hungry for more.
Targeting Whittaker and Adesanya wasn’t random; both are former champions coming off losses. Despite this, Dolidze was irked by Whittaker’s dismissive response to the potential matchup.
On his podcast, Whittaker nonchalantly said, “I’m trying to fight a top five guy, dude, join the queue.” He added that he found nothing to gain from fighting Dolidze and preferred playing Monster Hunter Wilds instead.
Whittaker also didn’t hold back when critiquing the rematch between Dolidze and Vettori, calling it “the exact same as their first fight.” Clearly, he’s not interested in facing the Georgian middleweight.
Dolidze found Whittaker’s comments childish. “How can someone who lost to Khamzat Chimaev so easily speak like that?” he questioned. The lack of heart shown in that fight doesn’t justify such arrogance.
“If he doesn’t want to fight me, just say so,” Dolidze retorted. “No need for excuses. Just calm down, boy.”
Despite Whittaker’s reputation, his recent 3-3 record doesn’t scream title contention. Dolidze is puzzled why Whittaker’s being picky about opponents when he’s on a solid win streak.
Adesanya too is on Dolidze’s radar. Though respectful of their achievements, Dolidze thinks they’re on a downturn. Still, he calls them out because they’re among the best.
“I called these guys out because it makes sense,” Dolidze explained. Both have been at the top too long and are coming off losses.
Dolidze isn’t sure if Adesanya feels the same way as Whittaker but finds it frustrating that two big stars are idle while the division stagnates.
He acknowledges Chimaev’s likely next for du Plessis, with Nassourdine Imavov deserving a title shot too. Yet, others near the top should seek fresh challenges—like him.
“The Adesanya fight makes sense since he’s quiet,” Dolidze mused. Maybe UFC has offered him something? Either way, Dolidze is ready for anyone ranked higher than him.
Despite wanting to fight Khamzat Chimaev, who deserves a title shot himself, Dolidze emphasizes that many top fighters need to get moving instead of waiting for magic.
Dolidze laughs at claims he’s not worthy of attention from Whittaker or Adesanya. They’d earn the same money fighting him as anyone else in the division.
“We’re doing this for money,” he stated bluntly. “Fight me for one dollar if it’s not about money. They won’t.”
In an ideal world, Dolidze would face Whittaker or Adesanya next—both worth waiting for. But he won’t wait forever; if UFC calls with another offer, he’ll consider it.
“New Roman will wait if something interesting comes up,” he said. Known for taking short-notice fights, Dolidze is always ready to step into the octagon.
If it benefits his career or future, maybe he’ll wait. But those top guys need to fight too. “Let’s see what happens,” he concluded eagerly.