UFC Vegas 104: Vettori vs. Dolidze 2 – Fight Night Preview

The UFC Apex hosts another exciting night of fights this Saturday, headlined by a high-stakes rematch between Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze. Two years after their first meeting, both middleweights return to the cage with plenty to prove in a pivotal bout that could reshape the division's landscape. Alongside the main event, the card features veteran matchups, rising prospects, and explosive stylistic clashes set to deliver another action-packed night.

Main Event: Marvin Vettori vs. Roman Dolidze 2

Middleweight contenders Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze square off once again, with both fighters looking to cement their status in the division. Vettori, a former title challenger, comes into this bout after a unanimous decision loss to Jared Cannonier in June 2023. Over his last six fights, he has alternated between wins and losses, bringing his UFC record to 9-5-1. Now training at American Top Team, he hopes a change of scenery will help him get back on track.

Meanwhile, Dolidze has been far more active, fighting three times in 2024. After a narrow loss to Nassourdine Imavov, he bounced back with a dominant win over Anthony Smith at light heavyweight before finishing Kevin Holland in October. The Georgian powerhouse is 14-3 overall, with Vettori being one of the few men to beat him in recent years.

Their first fight at UFC 286 was a competitive affair, with Vettori winning a close decision. However, both men have made adjustments, setting the stage for a rematch that could go either way. With Vettori’s durability and Dolidze’s knockout power, this five-rounder promises fireworks.

Chidi Njokuani vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

Two skilled strikers meet as Chidi Njokuani takes on Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos in a welterweight battle. Njokuani rebounded in 2024 by dropping to 170 pounds, securing decision wins over Rhys McKee and Jared Gooden. While he hasn’t showcased the finishing ability that marked his early UFC run, he remains a dangerous threat.

Zaleski dos Santos, a tenured UFC veteran, comes in after a split year in 2024, where he lost to Randy Brown but finished Zach Scroggin in the first round. With his aggressive striking style and experience, he aims to make a statement. Expect a fast-paced, technical stand-up fight.

SeungWoo Choi vs. Kevin Vallejos

Featherweight veteran SeungWoo Choi welcomes Dana White’s Contender Series graduate Kevin Vallejos to the UFC. Choi, known for his toughness, is looking to regain momentum after a string of inconsistent performances.

Vallejos, on the other hand, secured his UFC contract on his second attempt, bouncing back after a loss to Jean Silva in Season 7. A dynamic striker with high upside, Vallejos has the tools to make an immediate impact in the division.

Alexander Hernandez vs. Kurt Holobaugh

A lightweight battle between Alexander Hernandez and Kurt Holobaugh pits two experienced fighters against each other. Hernandez, a former rising prospect, has had a mixed UFC career (5-7 in his last 12 fights) but comes off a hard-fought win over Austin Hubbard at UFC 307.

Holobaugh, a TUF 31 winner, enters the fight after defeating Kaynan Kruschewsky in July. At 38 years old, he’s aiming to put together a late-career run, while Hernandez seeks consistency. With both men having knockout power, this fight could end in dramatic fashion.

Da’Mon Blackshear vs. Cody Gibson

Two high-level grapplers clash in the bantamweight division, as Da’Mon Blackshear meets Cody Gibson. Blackshear, who holds a 3-3-1 UFC record, has fought a brutal strength of schedule but recently snapped a losing skid by submitting Cody Stamann.

Gibson, another TUF 31 finalist, submitted Brian Kelleher last year and defeated Chad Anheliger in his most recent outing. Both men excel in scrambles, so expect plenty of ground exchanges.

SuYoung You vs. AJ Cunningham

Opening the main card is a bantamweight battle between Road to UFC winner SuYoung You and DWCS alum AJ Cunningham. You, a fast-rising South Korean prospect, won three fights in 2024 to claim a UFC contract.

Cunningham, after falling short in Season 7 of DWCS, returned with a first-round finish on the regional circuit before making his short-notice UFC debut. With both men looking to make their mark, this fight should set the tone for the evening.

Waldo Cortes Acosta vs. Ryan Spann

A heavyweight clash headlines the prelims as Waldo Cortes Acosta, riding a three-fight win streak, takes on Ryan Spann, who moves up to heavyweight for the first time. Spann, known for his knockout power, will be looking to make an immediate statement in the division.

Stephanie Luciano vs. Sam Hughes

Strawweights collide as Stephanie Luciano faces Sam Hughes. Luciano, who earned a UFC contract in DWCS Season 7, will try to continue her momentum, while Hughes, a gritty veteran, looks to halt her rise.

Diyar Nurgozhay vs. Brendson Ribeiro

Two DWCS alumni clash as Diyar Nurgozhay (10-0) meets Brendson Ribeiro in a light heavyweight showdown. Nurgozhay is an undefeated Kazakh fighter, while Ribeiro is coming off a split decision win over Caio Machado.

Carlos Vera vs. Josias Musasa

Carlos Vera, a TUF 31 alum, welcomes Josias Musasa to the UFC. Musasa, an 8-0 prospect, has finished seven of his eight fights and looks to make a big impact in his debut.

Daniel Barez vs. Andre Lima

Spanish flyweight Daniel Barez meets undefeated Brazilian Andre Lima in a high-energy clash. Both fighters are known for their aggressive striking and fast-paced style, making this a sleeper fight to watch.

Josiane Nunes vs. Priscila Cachoeira

A Brazilian bantamweight showdown sees Josiane Nunes take on Priscila Cachoeira. Both fighters are coming off back-to-back losses, making this a must-win for each.

Yuneisy Duben vs. Carli Judice

Opening the event is a flyweight fight between DWCS alum Yuneisy Duben and Carli Judice, who won Fight of the Night in her UFC debut.

Final Thoughts

UFC Vegas 104 offers an exciting mix of veteran battles, rising prospects, and stylistic clashes, headlined by the high-stakes rematch between Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze. With action-packed fights across multiple divisions, fans can expect a thrilling night of fights at the UFC Apex.

ACE Leans:

Note: These leans are not financial advice and are merely suggestions by our traders as to where they see the most value. Gamble responsibly.

Carli Judice by KO, TKO or DQ or Submission @ 3.00

Priscilla Cachoeira ML @ 2.40

Daniel Barez ML @ 4.90

Stephanie Luciano by Decision or Technical Decision @ 1.80

Josias Musasa by KO, TKO or DQ @ 1.80

Su Young You vs AJ Cunningham Over 2.5 Rounds @ 1.90

Ryan Spann ML @ 2.97

Carli Judice ML & Kevin Vallejos ML @ 1.80

Nurgozhay vs Ribeiro Under 1.5 Rounds @ 2.25

Da’Mon Blackshear By Submission or Decision & Over 1.5 Rounds @ 1.81

Kurt Holobaugh ML & Over 1.5 Rounds @ 3.58

Njokuani vs Zaleski Dos Santos Over 1.5 Rounds @ 1.83 

Marvin Vettori & Over 2.5 Rounds @ 2.22