Anthony Smith and Roman Dolidze will meet on Saturday's main card of UFC 303 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Check out a quick analysis of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Previous events: 3-2
UFC main card, 2024: 52-49-2
Anthony Smith vs. Roman Dolidze UFC 303 Preview
Former light heavyweight title challenger Smith (38-19 MMA, 13-9 UFC) is joining the fray on short notice to share the cage with the middleweight contender. This will be Smith’s second bout of the year and he will be looking to continue his winning streak after submitting Vitor Petrino in the first round at UFC 301 in May. If successful, it would be the first time “Lionheart” has won back-to-back bouts since 2021. …Dolidze (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) is the other opponent in this short notice bout. The middleweight is moving up in weight for the event and is looking to end a two-fight losing streak. Dolidze was unsuccessful in his bouts against Nassurdin Imavov in February and Marvin Vetri last March, both scored by unfavorable judges’ scores.
Anthony Smith vs. Roman Dolidze UFC 303 Expert Picks, Predictions
Despite stepping in to save the canceled co-main event between Jamahal Hill and Carlos Ulberg (originally scheduled as Hill vs. Khalil Rountree), Smith now faces UFC middleweight Dolidze in an impromptu bout at 205 pounds.
While it's not unusual for Smith to make a short-notice appearance, Dolidze brings a unique challenge regardless of weight class.
Dolidze is a naturally unpredictable, wild fighter with surprising agility and a wealth of opportunistic submission abilities.
Smith is a skilled Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, but he has to respect the danger that Dolidze poses. That said, it's hard not to side with the veteran in this situation.
Aside from the fact that Dolidze doesn't have a reliable process for producing repeatable wins, the Georgia native seems to tire more as games drag on (even with a full camp).
Add in the fact that Nassouddin Imavov badly hurt Dolidze with a combination similar to the finish Smith scored on a past UFC middleweight contender, and I expect “Lionheart” to pull off a semi-surprise stoppage in the third round.
Anthony Smith vs. Roman Dolidze UFC 303 odds
Oddsmakers and the general public are favored by the Georgian fighter, with Dolidze priced at -146 and Smith at +114 on FanDuel.
Anthony Smith vs. Roman Dolidze UFC 303 start time, how to watch
Smith and Dolidze are scheduled to enter the cage at approximately 11:15 PM ET (8:15 PM Las Vegas time) for the main card bout, which will be streamed live on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
For more on the card, check out MMA Junkie's UFC 303 event hub.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie.
