In the Clinch: Dolidze vs. Imavov in Middleweight Clash, UFC Fight Night 235 – UFC Fight Night 235 features a middleweight main event that on paper may leave some UFC fans wanting.
Roman Dolidze (12-2-0), 35, the No. 8 middleweight and No. 11 Nassourdine Imavov (12-4-0, 1NC), 28 are set to meet. While the fight may lack the star power we are used to seeing, both guys are looking to break into the top 5 with a big win.
Dolidze previously earned three consecutive performances of the night bonuses before losing a decision to No. 5 Marvin Vettori last March. So, he knows how to impress Dana White and Mick Maynard. Among his 12 wins is 10 finishes, including seven knockouts, so look for Roman to establish his striking early. He was also supposed to fight Derek Brunson and Jared Cannonier late last year, but those bouts fell apart, in no fault of his own.
Imavov has a good finish rate too, with nine finishes among his 12 wins. He’s also fought some pretty good competition including a decision loss to former champion Sean Strickland. Most recently, he fought Chris Curtis at UFC 289. That fight was deemed a no-contest due to an accidental clash of heads.
Dolidze and Imavov were not exactly the most charismatic guys in the world at media day. However, there does appear to be some personal motivation for getting a finish.
I expect Imavov to be more methodical and take the fight to the ground to get the submission. He’s shown he can strike too, but in this case, I believe he will use his striking to set up the takedown.
The Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis drama cannot hide the fact that things are rather stale right now at 185 pounds.
When asked, even co-main event fighter Renato Moicano said he didn’t know who Dolidze and Imavov were and that they shouldn’t be closing the show. Hopefully, this lights a fire under the main event Saturday night.
Enjoy the fights.
In the Clinch: Dolidze vs. Imavov in Middleweight Clash, UFC Fight Night 235 – More Resources
Roman Dolidze
Nassourdine Imavov
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