In a recent interview with The Schmo, UFC middleweight Roman Dolidze questioned Khamzat Chimaev‘s place in the 185lb rankings. Dolidze, who fights this weekend against Nassourdine Imavov, also mentioned that he would not be averse to fighting ‘Borz’.
Roman Dolidze Calls Out Khamzat Chimaev
When asked about Chimaev, Dolidze said: “I don’t even understand why he got a spot in the rankings because he doesn’t deserve [a spot]. To be in the rankings in middleweight you need to beat some middleweights and ranked middleweights. Why he’s in the rankings I don’t understand.”
‘The Caucasian’ went on to say that despite his feelings on the rankings, he would like to share the octagon with Chimaev one day.
“I don’t know what’s next for him. I would love to fight him because I always say that I want to fight with the best in this organisation and in this sport and I always thought that he is one of the best,” said Dolidze.
The Schmo then asked Dolidze if he would be calling out Chimaev if he were to be successful this coming Saturday.
“Why not. Anything is possible,” replied the Georgian. “I know that if I look at the situation, I probably need one more fight to fight for the title. If it will be Khamzat or anybody else, I don’t care.”
Dolidze One to Watch at Middleweight
The 35-year-old Dolidze has been making headway in the UFC middleweight division since 2020. Currently boasting a 12-2 professional record, his only defeats have come against Trevin Giles and most recently Marvin Vettori in March 2023. Before that loss, Dolidze went on a four-fight win streak that included three knockouts over the likes of Kyle Daukaus, Phil Hawes, and Jack Hermansson. The Georgian received a performance of the night bonus for each of these victories.
Possessing knockout power as well as competent grappling skills, Dolidze provides entertainment whenever he goes to battle. He applies pressure against his opponents and can work well from a clinch situation. Active from his guard and always looking to advance in offensive positions, the Georgian fighter has proven to be a good transitional grappler.
If he bounces back from his defeat to Vettori against Imavov, number eight ranked Dolidze may be looking at a place in the top five. Better still, a reward of a fight against Khamzat Chimaev might provide Dolidze with the opportunity of a lifetime and put him exactly where he needs to be.
Would you like to see Roman Dolidze fight Khamzat Chimaev if he beats Imavov on Saturday? Let us know in the comments.
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