Roman Dolidze targets title within two years after returning to light heavyweight
Roman Dolidze, 38, returns to the light heavyweight division to face Reinier de Ridder in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night on Saturday, August 22. He has set a timeline for a return to title contention, saying: "I already was very close to the title and I want to fight for title. That's why I'm more than sure that everything will go right as I'm planning. It's probably 1-2 years max," said Dolidze.
Georgia has produced several notable UFC fighters in recent years, including Ilja Topuria, who "though competing under the Spanish flag, is a product of the country and has gone to become a two-division title-holder," and Merab Dvalishvili, who "went on to become champion in the bantamweight division and ruled it for more than a year and defended the title three times during that period." Dolidze has spent most of his recent career at middleweight before moving back to light heavyweight.
Dolidze's UFC tenure has been uneven, featuring two separate winning streaks that included wins over Kevin Holland and Marvin Vettori. Those runs were followed by defeats that interrupted his momentum, and he is currently on a two-fight losing streak. The pattern has contributed to a stop-start trajectory since joining the promotion.
Dolidze says the switch to light heavyweight is aimed at maintaining his condition rather than solving form issues, describing the change as a way to stay healthy and fit. "It's not an issue for me. It's not a problem for me. It's how it is, and I take it how it is. I moved to light heavyweight because it was getting harder for me to cut weight, and weight cut is ok. Mentally, I'm strong to do it, but to gain back and to be in good shape like for a fight, that was a problem. That's why I decided not to challenge my body anymore and fight in more natural weight for myself," said Dolidze.
He framed the return to 205 pounds as a continuation of his earlier career pattern, noting prior experience at the weight. "I think it's quite normal and natural for me. I was fighting light heavyweight before UFC. Even while being a middleweight, I was still competing in light heavyweight. That's why it's nothing new for me. I'm just doing my job and try to be the best," said Dolidze.
Dolidze said he is content with his place among Georgian fighters and expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has received. "I have my own place and I'm very happy with it. I am who I am and I'm very thankful and grateful for this place and for the organisation for every opportunity that they are giving to me. "Georgia is doing great, in the past years, and I'm very happy also for that, and I think there are more, better fighters coming because we already showed them this road, this path, and how they can achieve their goals," said Dolidze. He added that a win over De Ridder would put his planned timeline on the right track and that adding a title would strengthen his case as one of Georgia's top fighters.
UFC Fight Night featuring Hernandez vs Rodrigues will air on August 23, 2026, from 5:30 AM IST live on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada) and on Sony LIV.
