In the cramped warfare space of the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, the stage is set for a February spectacle built around two promising Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight contenders. Nestled right in the heart of the Top 15 at 185 pounds, Roman Dolidze and Nassourdine Imavov are poised to headline UFC Fight Night 235 on Feb. 3.
Dolidze, a surging contender, carved his path to the upper echelon of the division with a scintillating 2022 marked by three explosive finishes. However, the echoes of his unanimous decision loss to Marvin Vettori in March have only fueled the Georgian’s hunger for redemption. Despite canceled bouts against Derek Brunson and Jared Cannonier, Dolidze stands undeterred, boasting a 4-1 record in his last five outings and an unyielding desire to take command of the middleweight throne. Standing across him in the blue corner will be Imavov, a 28-year-old dynamo whose three consecutive victories faced a momentary setback in 2023. The sting of a unanimous decision loss to Sean Strickland and a no contest ruling against Chris Curtis serves as the catalyst for Imavov’s resurgence.
As the clock winds down to the highly anticipated clash, the story of these titans will unfold with several narratives and aspirations yet to be realized. However, in a world where narratives may shift, numbers remain constant. With that, we dissect the key statistics that encapsulate the essence of these formidable fighters:
58: Dolidze carries an arsenal of power, boasting a formidable 58% knockout rate. His explosive style has been the maker of rapid conclusions, leaving opponents reeling from the sheer force he produces inside the Octagon.
25: Beyond his striking prowess, Dolidze exhibits a well-rounded skill set, with a 25% submission rate. The ability to seamlessly transition from striking to grappling can be the deciding factor in the upcoming clash.
7: What sets Dolidze apart is his penchant for quick victories, with an impressive track record of securing first-round triumphs. Seven of his wins have come within the opening stanza, proof of his knack for capitalizing on early opportunities and dictating the fight’s tempo.
0: Dolidze has never been finished in his professional mixed martial arts career. The only setbacks on his record are unanimous decision losses to Vettori and Trevin Giles.
42: Imavov brings his own set of skills to the Octagon with a notable 42% knockout rate. His striking precision, coupled with a diverse striking arsenal, makes him a threat on the feet.
33: Imavov’s toolkit extends beyond striking, showcasing a 33% submission rate. The ability to finish fights on the ground adds a layer of complexity to his approach.
7: Similar to his counterpart, Imavov excels in the early rounds, securing seven first-round victories. This shared characteristic sets the stage for a potential explosive start to the bout.
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