SALT LAKE CITY – Roman Dolidze sees a path to his first UFC submission vs. Kevin Holland.
Dolidze (13-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) takes on Holland (26-11 MMA, 13-8 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 307 (pay-per-view, ESPNews, ESPN+) main card opener at Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
Dolidze’s first three professional wins came by submission, but all his UFC finishes have been by knockout. He thinks that could potentially change against Holland, but it’s not something he’ll go after.
“He’s an (unpredictable) guy, I’m (unpredictable),” Dolidze told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s UFC 307 media day. “But who knows – maybe this time will be my first submission in the UFC. It’s a little bit strange: I’m a grappler and I’ve never used this (in the UFC), but who knows? But you know me – maybe I will just go and fight.”
Dolidze was asked his thoughts on the light heavyweight title fight between champion Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree, which led him to express his frustration with the UFC’s rankings. Dolidze’s most recent fight was a win over ranked light heavyweight Anthony Smith in June, but he now finds himself out of the UFC’s 205-pound rankings.
“I’m happy with the UFC. That’s why I’m not saying anything,” Dolidze said. “But even my last fight, I beat Smith. He was No. 10 ranked, and after I woke up Tuesday, some guy moved to (No.) 10, and after one month they put me to No. 15. I don’t understand what’s going on there. For me, it’s to provide for my family, to provide for my kids, for their future.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 307.
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