The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is preparing for an exciting middleweight matchup in December. While it may not be the main event, fans can expect something big. According to ESPN, Roman Dolidze has been pulled from UFC 295 after Derek Brunson withdrew from their bout and announced he was no longer under contract with the promotion. Instead, Dolidze’s Octagon return has been pushed from November 11 to December 2, where he will face off against Jared Cannonier. The two middleweights will fight on the main card of an unnamed UFC Fight Night card at a currently undetermined location.
Recent performances of Jared Cannonier
Cannonier last prepared for competition in September as the alternate for the Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland title fight. Nearly tapped for the event due to an incident involving Strickland and a fan during fight week, Cannonier ended up watching from the sidelines and will not be receiving the next crack at the belt. The former title challenger has won his last two fights, with decisions over Marvin Vettori and Strickland in June and December, respectively. Since moving down to 185 pounds against David Branch in 2018, the only two men to defeat Cannonier have been former champ Robert Whittaker and reigning champion Adesanya.
Recent performances of Roman Dolidze
Dolidze last competed in March, where his four-fight winning streak, which included three knockout victories, came to an end at the hands of Vettori. Like Cannonier, the Georgian fighter initially started his career as a heavyweight but eventually moved down multiple divisions. Dolidze’s first two outings in the Octagon took place at 205 pounds, and he officially made his first cut to middleweight in early 2021. His tenure in the division has been bookended by losses to Trevin Giles and Vettori, with three post-fight bonus-earning victories along the way.
As the UFC prepares for this highly anticipated middleweight showdown in December, fans can expect an intense battle between these two skilled fighters. With their impressive records and determination to climb the ranks, both Cannonier and Dolidze will undoubtedly put on a show worth watching.