Dolidze On Power Edge Over De Ridder At 205

Roman Dolidze expects his power to separate him from Reinier de Ridder when the two grapplers meet at light heavyweight.

Dolidze makes his 205-pound debut Saturday at UFC Sacramento after years at middleweight, and he sees the matchup as a chance to prove he is the superior wrestler. "I think I'm much more powerful and we'll compete, compare our grappling, let's see," he told reporters at Wednesday's media day, per Sherdog.

Grappling Battle Set For UFC Sacramento

The Georgian called for the fight when both men were still at 185 pounds and said he was pleased when the UFC made the bout official. De Ridder is also moving up following consecutive losses at middleweight.

Dolidze acknowledged the stylistic intrigue of the pairing, noting that de Ridder brings size and solid striking to go with his grappling base. "Tall, strong guy and not bad in striking," he said. But the 36-year-old believes his physicality will carry the night once the two lock up.

The bout takes place this Saturday in Sacramento with both fighters looking to establish themselves in a new weight class.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Roman Dolidze says he’s ‘much more powerful’ than Reinier de Ridder