After his unanimous decision victory over Marvin Vettori, which marked his third consecutive win, Roman Dolidze strategically called out Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya as potential next opponents.
He specifically targeted Whittaker and Adesanya because both former champions are coming off losses and are looking to return to the winning track in the division. While Adesanya`s reaction remains unknown, Dolidze was not pleased with Whittaker`s dismissive response to the challenge.
Whittaker said on his podcast regarding Dolidze, “I`m trying to fight a top five guy, dude, join the queue. I watched [a round and a half] and thought, `Dude, I have nothing to gain from this,` and went back to playing Monster Hunter Wilds.”
Whittaker also criticized the rematch between Dolidze and Vettori, describing it as “the exact same as their first fight” and clearly showing no interest in facing the Georgian middleweight fighter.
“It`s funny. It’s very childish,” Dolidze told MMA Fighting in response to Whittaker`s words. “How can someone who lost [to Khamzat Chimaev], who tapped out so easily and didn’t show the heart of a fighter, say such things after a loss like that? It doesn`t make sense. You need to prove yourself differently to speak like that. I can’t take his words seriously. It’s very childish to me.”
“If he doesn’t want to fight, he should just say he doesn’t want to fight. But finding so many excuses for why he doesn’t want to fight me, just calm down, boy, and do whatever you want. If he doesn’t want it, no problem,” Dolidze added.
While Whittaker still holds significant standing in the division, his record is 3-3 in his last six fights, and a title shot seems distant after being finished by current champion Dricus du Plessis and his submission loss to Chimaev.
This is why Dolidze is puzzled by Whittaker`s pickiness regarding opponents, especially when there`s an opportunity to face a fighter on a strong winning streak.
“Adesanya as well, these two guys, I acknowledge their past achievements in MMA, but now they are in a different position,” Dolidze stated. “Same with Adesanya, he’s a very good fighter. He was a dominant champion. I have nothing against him as a fighter or as a person, but I want to fight the best. My callouts are because I consider them among the best, nothing more.”
“I called out these guys because it makes sense. They have been at the top of the division for a long time, and they are both coming off losses,” Dolidze explained.
Dolidze is unsure if Adesanya views his callout similarly to Whittaker, but he expresses frustration with the middleweight division being stagnant and two major stars being inactive.
He recognizes that Chimaev is likely next in line to fight du Plessis for the title, and Nassourdine Imavov, whom he fought to a close majority decision, also deserves a title opportunity. However, Dolidze believes everyone else near the top rankings should seek fresh challenges, and he deserves such an opportunity.
“A fight with Adesanya also makes sense because he is also quiet,” Dolidze said. “Maybe he is considering it, or maybe the UFC has offered him something. But I am ready for anyone they offer because I have already stated who I want to fight. Of course, I want to fight someone ranked higher than me. As I said, I am not one to step back if offered someone else. Naturally, I will agree to fight whoever makes sense for my career.”
“I have always wanted to fight Khamzat [Chimaev], but Khamzat deserves to fight for the title. He is fighting for the title. [Nassourdine] Imavov deserves a title shot too. The reason I called out Whittaker and Adesanya is because the division is stuck. There is a title line. They deserve to fight for the title. That’s why nobody wants to wait, but Imavov probably will. But there are also Caio [Borralho], [Sean] Strickland, Whittaker, and Adesanya. All of these guys need to fight. If they want to sit and wait for some magic, they can, but I am here to fight and I am ready to do it.”
Dolidze also dismisses the notion that he is not worthy of Whittaker or Adesanya`s attention, arguing that they are paid the same to fight him as anyone else in the division.
“We are doing all this, it’s our job. Don’t be liars,” Dolidze asserted. “When people say they are not doing this for money, I look at their eyes and know they are lying. Okay, fight me for one dollar then. They would never fight me. They will fight for exactly what is on their contract. I am doing this for money. I want to make more money. If they don’t fight, they sit at home and don’t make money.”
“That’s why this whole thing doesn’t make sense. I need to fight. They need to fight. Let’s go. If they think a fight with me is so easy, then fight me and make your money.”
Ideally, Dolidze`s next opponent would be someone like Whittaker or Adesanya, as these are fights worth waiting for.
However, the 36-year-old veteran is not willing to wait indefinitely. While he desires a top-ranked opponent or a former champion for his next fight, Dolidze will not decline an opportunity if the UFC calls.
“The new Roman might wait if something interesting comes up,” Dolidze said. “Of course, I am a guy who loves to fight. I have had many short-notice fights. Probably three fights on very short notice—like one week, 10 days. When I fought [Jack] Hermansson, I cut 14 kilos (approximately 30 pounds) in 10 days—it was not easy. That was probably my worst weight cut because I had vision problems and other issues. But things like that can’t stop me.”
“But if a fight makes sense and they offer me something better for my career, better for my future, maybe I will wait. But all these guys I mentioned haven`t fought in a while. They also need to fight. Let’s see what happens. I want to fight.”
