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Analysis of UFC Fight Night 235: How will Roman Dolidze’s grappling matchup with Nassourdine Imavov pan out?
MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom provides insights into the key matchups of the upcoming UFC Fight Night 235.
This event, available on ESPN+, is scheduled to happen on Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Roman Dolidze (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC)
Vital Information:
Height: 6’2″ | Age: 35 | Weight: 185 lbs. | Reach: 76″
Recent Fight: Lost by decision to Marvin Vettori (March 18, 2023)
Camp: Xtreme Couture (Las Vegas, NV)
Stance/Striking Style: Switch-stance/muay Thai
Risk Management: Fair
Additional Details:
- Holds a regional MMA title
- Numerous grappling achievements
- Boasts 7 knockout victories
- Secured 3 submission wins
- Notable with 7 first-round finishes
- Demonstrates KO power
- Maintains an aggressive pace with pressure
- Displays steadily improving striking skills
Advances forward or in combinations
- Executes strikes effectively during breaks
- Strong performance inside the clinch
Notable for hard knees and elbows
- A dangerous transitional grappler
Capitalizes on opportunistic submissions and exhibits an active guard
Nassourdine Imavov (12-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC)
Key Details:
Height: 6’3″ | Age: 28 | Weight: 185 lbs. | Reach: 75″
Recent Fight: *No Contest with Chris Curtis (June 20, 2023)
Camp: MMA Factory (France)
Stance/Striking Style: Orthodox/muay Thai
Risk Management: Fair
Additional Insights:
- Holds a regional MMA title
- Boasts 5 knockout victories
- Secured 4 submission wins
- Notable with 7 first-round finishes
- Displays a solid understanding of range and movement
- Effectively works off the lead hand
Delivers hard hooks and uppercuts
- Strong performance inside the clinch
Frames well for knees and elbows
- Strikes effectively during breaks
- Possesses serviceable wrestling ability
Competent in both defensive and offensive aspects
- Exhibits deceptive front-choke skills
- Demonstrates adept grappling from topside
Key Point: Middleweight Showdown
The headline bout on ESPN+ showcases two highly aggressive middleweights, both holding rankings in the division.
Roman Dolidze, known for his grappling background, is an all-encompassing force in the octagon, unafraid to diversify his striking approach. Proficient from either stance, Dolidze, a versatile striker, possesses knockout power in both hands. Whether initiating or countering in combinations, the 35-year-old Georgian engages in exchanges with the intent to finish the fight. In moments of confidence, Dolidze unleashes fast and flashy kicks, often targeting the head. Additionally, he demonstrates the ability to connect punches, kicks, and knees seamlessly, particularly when closing distance in open-stance matchups.
However, closing the distance against Nassourdine Imavov presents a challenge. Imavov, displaying a natural talent for countering, excels in assembling offense from his lead hand. Employing active feints and deceptive hooks off his jab, Imavov exhibits a keen sense of range that fuels his attacks. When maneuvering his opponents toward the cage, the Russian-born fighter fearlessly deploys various striking combinations, including hooking sequences and flying knees.
Imavov embodies the defensive prowess and standing confidence characteristic of his MMA Factory stablemates, enhancing his counterattacking abilities. Nevertheless, his low-handed guard and occasional lackadaisical approach to offense have proven costly in both forward and backward movements, exposing vulnerabilities to counters and extended exchanges.
Key Aspect: Grappling Dynamics
Given Dolidze’s apparent advantages on paper and his unpredictable fighting style, it wouldn’t be surprising if this matchup transitions to the ground during Saturday’s bout.
While Dolidze may not be synonymous with a methodical approach or consistency, he has demonstrated serviceable takedown skills in previous fights. Athletic enough for open shot attempts, the 35-year-old Georgian fighter seems to favor working from the clinch. Leveraging his long limbs, Dolidze excels in securing grips for takedowns or framing for impactful knees and strikes during breaks. However, it’s crucial to note that Dolidze is not immune to takedowns or being out-positioned, making Imavov a legitimate threat in these scenarios.
Despite having fewer takedown attempts on the stat sheet, Imavov’s offensive nature often leads him to engage in clinch space. He occasionally utilizes this momentum for level-changing takedown attempts that either score points or allow him to control his opponents along the fence.
Imavov seems to embody the muay Thai swagger characteristic of many Fernand Lopez fighters, hinting at the potential use of a solid framing game in close quarters, resulting in impactful elbows and knees. However, challenging Dolidze in strength-based exchanges within confined spaces might not be the wisest strategy.
Beyond the finishes he has achieved in close quarters, Dolidze is an opportunistic grappler known for attempting submissions in unconventional positions. Unafraid to invert his guard or drop for a leg, Dolidze’s competence and confidence make him a formidable competitor in the division. While Imavov possesses a solid game from topside, willingly engaging in a grappling battle with someone like Dolidze may not be in his best interest.
