It’s not the fight we expected, but it’s the one we’re getting at UFC 303.
Middleweight Roman Dolidze makes the move up to the light heavyweight division in a short notice opportunity against Anthony “Lionheart” Smith. Smith, the former UFC title challenger, got the call to replace an injured Jamahal Hill against another replacement in Carlos Ulberg – with Ulberg also having to withdraw.
On eight days notice, Dolidze answered the call to fight Smith and here they are on the main card of UFC’s International Fight Week in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Smith bounced back from a TKO loss to Khalil Rountree Jr. last year with a submission win over undefeated Vitor Petrino at UFC 301 in May whereas Georgia’s Dolidze is coming off back-to-back losses, most recently losing a majority decision against Nassourdine Imavov at 185lbs.
Round 1:
Leg kick lands early for Dolidze. Dolidze keeps going to work with his kicks. Smith eats another leg kick, returning with one of his own. Dolidze throws the right hand, following it up with a leg kick. Dolidze and Smith trade a few shots in the pocket. Dolidze and Smith exchange leg kicks. Smith presses forward, missing on a few strikes. Leg kick lands for Dolidze. The light heavyweights load up on their punches, swinging big at close range. Smith fires a left hand before the bell.
Round 2:
Smith avoids a leg kick from Dolidze. Dolidze throws a right hook that misses. Dolidze blitzes Smith with “Lionheart” falling to the ground. Dolidze lands some ground and pound before controlling Smith up against the cage. Dolidze wears on Smith, chipping away at him with punches. Dolidze lands a hammer fist and then a knee to the thigh of Smith. Dolidze lands a knee to the head of Smith when he was no longer grounded. Smith works his way back up to his feet, only to be caught by some punches that get through for Dolidze.
Round 3:
Smith lands a couple of leg kicks to begin the final round. Dolidze throws big shots over the top on Smith. Smith stands his ground, returning fire. The light heavyweights trade in close quarters. Smith has trouble landing clean on Dolidze. Smith lands a right hand with Dolidze returning with a jab. Left hand lands for Dolidze and then for Smith. Smith works the jab as Dolidze looks to connect big on a combo. Leg kick lands for Dolidze.
Official result: Roman Dolidze defeats Anthony Smith via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Check out the highlights below:
https://x.com/ufc/status/1807259759252226319
