After his victory over Marvin Vettori, Roman Dolidze strategically called out Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya, both former champions looking to rebound from recent losses. This win marked Dolidze`s third consecutive victory.
While Adesanya has been quiet, Dolidze was not pleased with Whittaker`s response, where Whittaker brushed off a potential fight during his podcast.
Whittaker stated on his podcast regarding Dolidze, “I`m trying to fight someone in the top five, join the line. I watched a bit of his fight and thought, `I have nothing to gain from this,` and went back to playing Monster Hunter Wilds.”
Whittaker also described the Dolidze vs. Vettori rematch as identical to their first fight and showed no interest in fighting Dolidze.
Dolidze responded to MMA Fighting, calling Whittaker`s reaction “funny and very childish.” He questioned how Whittaker, who recently lost to Khamzat Chimaev by submission, could make such comments without demonstrating true fighter`s heart. Dolidze dismissed Whittaker`s words as unserious and immature.
Dolidze added, “If he doesn’t want to fight, he should just say so. But all these excuses… he should just calm down, boy, and do what he wants. If he declines, it’s fine.”
Despite Whittaker`s reputation, he has a 3-3 record in his last six fights and is unlikely to get a title shot soon after losses to current champion Dricus du Plessis and Chimaev.
Dolidze is puzzled by Whittaker`s selectivity, especially when Dolidze is on a winning streak.
Dolidze mentioned Adesanya similarly, acknowledging their past achievements but suggesting they are currently in a career decline. He clarified he respects Adesanya as a fighter and person, but his callouts are simply aimed at facing top contenders.
Dolidze explained his callouts were logical because both fighters have been at the division`s peak for a long time and are coming off losses.
Dolidze is unsure if Adesanya shares Whittaker`s view but expresses frustration with the middleweight division being stagnant while prominent fighters are inactive.
He recognizes Chimaev is likely next for du Plessis and Nassourdine Imavov also deserves a title opportunity. However, Dolidze believes other top-ranked fighters should seek new challenges, and he feels he deserves such an opportunity.
Dolidze noted Adesanya`s silence, speculating he might be considering the fight or has received an offer from the UFC. Dolidze remains open to fighting anyone the UFC proposes but reiterated his preference for higher-ranked opponents. He emphasized he is not one to refuse fights.
Dolidze stated his long-term desire to fight Khamzat Chimaev, but acknowledges Chimaev and Imavov deserve title shots. He called out Whittaker and Adesanya because the division is “stuck” with a title fight queue. He believes fighters like Caio Borralho, Sean Strickland, Whittaker, and Adesanya need to be active rather than waiting indefinitely.
Dolidze also scoffed at the notion that he`s not worthy of Whittaker or Adesanya`s attention, pointing out that fighters are paid the same regardless of their opponent.
Dolidze asserted, “We are doing this as our job, let`s not be dishonest. Many people claim they don`t fight for money, but it`s a lie. Offer them a fight for a dollar, and they would refuse. They fight for their contractually agreed pay. I fight for money and to earn more. If they avoid fights, they lose income.”
Dolidze concluded, “This whole situation is illogical. I need to fight, they need to fight. Let`s get it on. If they think fighting me is easy, then take the fight and get paid.”
Ideally, Dolidze wants to face Whittaker or Adesanya next, considering these fights worthwhile to wait for.
However, the 36-year-old veteran is not prepared to wait indefinitely and, while preferring a top-ranked or former champion opponent, will not decline an opportunity if the UFC calls.
Dolidze stated his “new” approach might involve waiting for a compelling fight. He emphasized his fighting spirit, recalling accepting multiple short-notice fights, including a fight against Jack Hermansson with only ten days` notice, during which he endured a difficult weight cut. He asserted that challenges don`t deter him.
He concluded, “If a fight offer improves my career and future, I might wait. But all the fighters I mentioned have been inactive for a while. They also need to fight. We`ll see what happens. I want to fight.”
