Following his victory over Marvin Vettori, Roman Dolidze strategically called out Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya, both former champions seeking to regain momentum after recent losses. While Adesanya has remained quiet, Dolidze was taken aback by Whittaker`s dismissive reaction to the idea of fighting him.
Whittaker, on his podcast, responded to Dolidze`s challenge by stating he prefers to fight opponents in the top five rankings and doesn`t see any benefit in facing Dolidze at this time. He claimed to have watched only a portion of Dolidze`s fight and found it uninteresting, preferring to return to playing a video game.
Whittaker also commented negatively on the rematch between Dolidze and Vettori, describing it as a repeat of their first encounter and showing no interest in a potential matchup with the Georgian fighter.
Dolidze found Whittaker`s response to be immature. He questioned how Whittaker, who recently lost to Khamzat Chimaev via submission, could make such condescending remarks. Dolidze suggested that Whittaker should focus on improving his own performance before criticizing others.
Dolidze stated that if Whittaker is unwilling to fight, he should simply decline instead of making excuses. He advised Whittaker to “calm down” and do as he pleases, reiterating that he would move on if Whittaker isn`t interested.
Despite Whittaker`s reputation, Dolidze pointed out that Whittaker`s recent fight record is mixed, with three wins and three losses in his last six bouts. Dolidze argued that after being defeated by both Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, Whittaker is not in a position to be overly selective about his opponents.
Dolidze expressed his confusion at Whittaker`s reluctance to fight him, especially considering Dolidze is currently on a winning streak.
Dolidze clarified that his callouts of Adesanya and Whittaker were not meant to disrespect their past achievements. He acknowledged their status as top fighters and former champions. He emphasized that he is targeting the best in the division and views them as such, despite their recent losses.
Dolidze explained that his callouts are logical because both Whittaker and Adesanya have been at the top of the middleweight division for a long time and are both looking to bounce back from defeats.
Dolidze is unsure if Adesanya shares Whittaker`s perspective on his challenge. He expressed frustration with the current stagnation in the middleweight division, with two prominent figures sidelined.
Dolidze recognized that Chimaev is likely next in line for a title shot against du Plessis, and Nassourdine Imavov also deserves a title opportunity. However, he believes that other top-ranked fighters should be actively seeking new challenges, and he feels he deserves to be considered among them.
Dolidze noted that Adesanya`s silence might indicate he is considering the fight or has received an offer from the UFC. Dolidze stated his readiness to fight anyone offered, reiterating his preference for higher-ranked opponents but also his willingness to accept other fights if they advance his career.
Dolidze mentioned his long-standing desire to fight Khamzat Chimaev but acknowledged Chimaev`s deserved title contention. He reiterated that his callouts of Whittaker and Adesanya are due to the division`s current standstill. He believes that many top contenders need to be active and fight instead of waiting indefinitely.
Dolidze dismissed the idea that he is not a worthwhile opponent for Whittaker or Adesanya, arguing that fighters are ultimately motivated by financial compensation and will earn the same for fighting him as anyone else in the division.
Dolidze challenged the notion that fighters are not motivated by money, asserting that earning a living is a primary driver in professional fighting. He suggested that if Whittaker truly believed fighting him was beneath him, he should agree to a fight for minimal pay, which Dolidze believes Whittaker would never do.
Dolidze concluded by emphasizing his and other fighters` need to compete and earn a living, urging Whittaker and Adesanya to accept a fight if they perceive it as easy money.
Ideally, Dolidze wants to fight someone like Whittaker or Adesanya next, viewing these as significant and worthwhile matchups.
However, Dolidze, a 36-year-old veteran, is not willing to wait indefinitely. While he prefers a top-ranked opponent or former champion, he will not decline an opportunity if the UFC offers him a fight.
Dolidze stated he is now more willing to wait for a meaningful fight that benefits his career. He mentioned his history of taking fights on short notice, highlighting a particularly challenging weight cut for a fight against Jack Hermansson. He emphasized his willingness to fight under pressure but also his strategic approach to career advancement.
Dolidze concluded by reiterating that fighters like Whittaker and Adesanya, who have been inactive, also need to fight and that he is eager to see what opportunities arise.
