Roman Dolidze sees a big opportunity against Jared Cannonier.
Dolidze (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) takes on former title challenger Cannonier (17-6 MMA, 10-6 UFC) at UFC Fight Night on Dec. 2, which is expected to take place in Austin, Texas.
Cannonier holds a recent win over current UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland and is coming off an impressive showing against Marvin Vettori. He was also the official backup for Strickland’s title fight against Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. So, if Dolidze can get past Cannonier, he expects to earn a title shot.
“We all know that Sean Strickland is champion and Jared has a win over him,” Dolidze told MMA Junkie Radio. “When I go and do what I need to do, just be myself there, and if everything will happen like I’m planning, it will be a very interesting situation how everything will happen because I think the winner of this fight, he need to fight for title. Let’s see what will happen.”
Dolidze’s road in the UFC hasn’t been easy since joining the roster in 2020, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. In fact, he’s the one asking for it.
“I’m just very grateful that they’re always giving me good names,” Dolidze said. “From the first day when I come to the UFC, I was asking, ‘Guys, just give me good names. I don’t care who they are, just give me good names’ because I don’t want to be the strongest in the middle of average fighters.
“I want to be the best and fighting the best guys. Jared Cannonier is a really good fighter, good opponent, strong. He’s well rounded, big experience, big name, he fought the champion, he beat the champion, and I’m very thankful for the UFC. Of course, it’s a very big fight for my career. I was ready for anybody.”
UFC’s Roman Dolidze on Jared Cannonier: ‘Winner of this fight needs to fight for title’
