Anthony Smith vs. Roman Dolidze: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Two 35-year-olds collide in the middle of the main card at UFC 303 when Anthony Smith of the USA takes on Roman Dolidze of Georgia in a light heavyweight bout. Ranked at number ten in the light heavyweight class, Anthony Smith, who has stayed in the rankings for most of his six years in the UFC, has become a gatekeeper to the higher reaches of the division. On the other hand, Roman Dolidze ranked at ten in the middleweight division, returning to 205 pounds to try and end a two-fight skid. Dolidze is the bookies’ favorite ahead of the bout.

MMA: UFC Light Heavyweight

Where to Watch: PPV

Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

Date: 30.06.2024. 04:00

The American grappler secured a well-executed guillotine choke to submit Vitor Petrino last May at UFC 301. The victory brought his recent record to 2-1 with a decision over Ryan Spann and a loss to Khalil Roundtree Jr. last December. The veteran former Strikeforce and Bellator fighter went the distance with Jon Jones in 2019. Skilled and dangerous, the Black Belt in BJJ, who began fighting professionally in 2008 and has nearly forty victories, is still capable of causing the upset here.

• Age: 35
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 205lbs (93kg)
• Reach: 76”
• Record: 38-19

It just seemed as though there was a clear path against Ulberg. Avoid the dangerous striking; you have a chance to take him down; you can grapple him. That doesn’t seem as clear against Dolidze. A tremendous striker and grappler, so I believe it’s a tougher fight. Luckily though, Dolidze is a middleweight, so Smith will still have a size advantage.

Daniel Cormier

The 35-year-old Georgian entered 2023 riding a four-fight streak. Still, consecutive losses to Marvin Vettori and Nassourdine Imavov have seen Roman Dolidze return to 205 pounds and take up this short notice bout to return to the win column. Joining MMA at 28, Dolidze has fought at light heavyweight and middleweight, with his first pro loss coming at 185. The former WWFC light heavyweight champion debuted in the UFC in 2020 and quickly amassed four straight wins. His two recent losses came via decisions with the setback against Imavov, a majority decision.

• Age: 35
• Height: 6’3’’
• Reach: 76”
• Weight: 205lbs (93kg)
• Record: 12-3

Roman Dolidze is a 1.72 favorite on Bet365, with Anthony Smith priced at 2.10 to win the bout. Dolidze to win the bout by decision is 2.75 on 1xBet, while Smith by KO/TKO is 3.4 odds; Betway lists over 2.5 at 1.64 and the under at 1.70 odds. Read more.