UFC FIGHT NIGHT 235: Roman Dolidze vs. Nassourdine Imavov 2/3/24 Fight Forecast, Picks and Analysis

UFC FIGHT NIGHT 235: Dolidze vs. Imavov 2/3/24 – As UFC Fight Night 235 fast approaches, the Middleweight bout between Roman Dolidze and Nassourdine Imavov is shaping up to be a captivating showdown. With Dolidze holding a record of 12-2-0 and Imavov at 12-4-0 (1 NC), the stakes are high, and MMA betting prediction circles are buzzing with anticipation. This bout not only features two of the most promising middleweights in the UFC but also presents a unique clash of styles that will surely captivate fans worldwide.

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Main Card

Roman Dolidze

Roman Dolidze enters this middleweight main card bout with a 12-2-0 record, looking to rebound after tapping out against Vettori last time out. Dolidze lands 3.02 significant strikes per minute with 44% accuracy. While his striking numbers are just adequate, his path to victory relies heavily on leveraging his strong sambo base and wrestling. Dolidze averages 1.72 takedowns per 15 minutes while attempting them with 50% accuracy. He uses crafty trips and throws to ground opponents.

Once the fight hits the mat, Dolidze is an immense threat, averaging 1.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes in the UFC. He has earned submission victories in 4 of his UFC wins so far, flashing nasty ground and pound to set up fight-ending holds. Dolidze could pose major issues for Imavov if he drags the fight to the floor. He will have a 2 inch reach advantage at 6’2″ with a 76″ reach, which could help him in grappling exchanges.

However, Dolidze must be cautious shooting for sloppy takedowns, as he has stopped just 33% of the takedowns attempted against him. If he cannot reliably implement his wrestling, Dolidze leaves himself liable to absorb damage, as he takes 3.01 significant strikes per minute while defending at just a 55% rate. Those defensive holes could be exposed opposite Imavov’s striking.

Nassourdine Imavov

Nassourdine Imavov heads into this Las Vegas main card showdown boasting a 12-4 and 1 NC record after his last fight resulted in a no contest. The French striker is the taller, longer fighter at 6’3″ with a 75″ reach. He uses his physical gifts to land 4.55 significant strikes per minute at a strong 53% accuracy clip against opponents. Imavov’s combination punching, knees, elbows and thudding low kicks could pose issues if Dolidze struggles to close distance.

In addition to dangerous kickboxing, Imavov has also shown stellar takedown defense inside the Octagon at 72%. That wrestling defense allows him to keep fights standing at range where he can implement his diverse striking mix. Like Dolidze, Imavov also shows solid submission skills, averaging 1.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes with sneaky holds in his back pocket if taken down.

However, Imavov must be careful not to get sloppy on defense, as he absorbs 3.76 significant strikes per minute while defending at just a 58% rate. If Dolidze manages to ground him with takedowns even just once a round, Imavov leaves himself open to accumulating damage or getting caught in a submission. This could come down to whether Imavov’s striking is dynamic enough to deter Dolidze’s grappling entries.