Roman Dolidze
Division: Light heavyweight
Result: Roman Dolidze def. Khadis Ibragimov via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 4:15
Record: (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Grade: B
Georgia’s [autotag]Roman Dolidze[/autotag] arrived in the UFC and showed the sort of calmness and composure you’d expect from an undefeated prospect as he worked out the striking cadence of his opponent, then connected with a thumping knee to the chin that saw him claim a highlight-reel knockout on his octagon debut.
Dolidze started slowly, but calmly, as he kept out of Khadis Ibragimov’s striking range, while assessing the Russian’s style. There was a brief moment of concern when he was swept to the mat. But while he seemed more than willing to allow Ibragimov to join him on the canvas, his opponent wanted things back on the feet.
That proved to be a benefit for Dolidze, who stepped up his striking and caught Ibragimov with a roundhouse knee that kicked off his UFC career in spectacular fashion.
The UFC are looking for new contenders to help pack out the 205-pound division, and if Dolidze can stay active and string together a few stoppage wins, it won’t be long before he finds himself in there with one of the division’s bigger names.
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