.png)
The UFC's February schedule is set to ignite with an explosive middleweight showdown as Roman Dolidze prepares to face Nassourdine Imavov in the headlining bout of UFC Fight Night on February 3 at a location yet to be revealed.
The announcement of this thrilling matchup, reported initially by MMA Time on Twitter, puts the spotlight on the middleweight division, promising a riveting clash between two formidable fighters.
Roman Dolidze, renowned for his remarkable 2022 campaign marked by three emphatic finish victories, had a quieter 2023 with just one fight, ending in a unanimous decision loss to Marvin Vettori at UFC 286 in March. Despite setbacks, Dolidze's stature remains formidable in the division, holding a 4-1 record in his last five outings and securing the No. 7 spot in the UFC middleweight rankings.
However, Dolidze's scheduled battles against Derek Brunson and Jared Cannonier failed to materialize. Brunson's departure from the UFC in favor of joining the PFL and Cannonier's injury halted the highly anticipated matchups, leaving Dolidze eager for a chance to re-establish his dominance in the octagon.
On the other side of the cage stands Nassourdine Imavov, a fighter who started his 2023 campaign strong with three consecutive victories. Unfortunately, Imavov's momentum was disrupted by setbacks, starting with a unanimous decision loss to Sean Strickland in January and later facing a no-contest ruling against Chris Curtis due to an accidental head clash at UFC 289 in June.
With both fighters hungry to reclaim their winning ways and ascend the ranks, this headlining bout promises fireworks, showcasing the sheer talent and determination that fuels the middleweight division's competitive spirit.
As fight fans eagerly anticipate the event's venue announcement, the clash between Dolidze and Imavov stands as a testament to the UFC's commitment to delivering thrilling matchups, solidifying February 3 as a date not to be missed in the MMA calendar.