LAS VEGAS – Roman Dolidze is acquainted with learning Anthony Smith.
Dolidze (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) steps in on quick discover to face Smith (38-19 MMA, 13-9 UFC) in a lightweight heavyweight bout on Saturday’s UFC 303 (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) important card at T-Cellular Enviornment in Las Vegas.
Smith is coming off a first-round submission of Vitor Petrino at UFC 301, bouncing the Brazilian out of the ranks of the unbeaten. Though “Lionheart” has alternated wins and losses in his previous 5 fights, Dolidze is aware of to not underestimate him.
“He has plenty of expertise and if we’ll take into consideration his final struggle, everyone thought that he’ll lose that struggle, however he gained,” Dolidze advised MMA Junkie and different reporters at a pre-fight information convention Wednesday.
“And that’s one of the best reply I can provide to you. You by no means know what a fighter skilled like him can do in his struggle, however after all all of us perceive that one of the best days he had are previously. However I nonetheless (worth) him for the whole lot what he has carried out for this sport.”
Smith is a former title challenger. He confronted Jon Jones for the sunshine heavyweight title at UFC 235 in 2019 however misplaced by unanimous choice. Dolidze says Jones sought assist from him for Smith’s floor sport.
“Previously, I additionally helped Jones to organize for a struggle with Smith, and Jones was very involved about his jiu-jitsu,” Dolidze mentioned. “I keep in mind it good and precisely that’s why I used to be coaching with him. That’s why I respect (Smith), and I’m not taking him like, ‘Oh, he’s carried out’ or one thing like that, and I cannot say that to you simply to hype this factor.”
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 303.
Be sure you go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of blended martial arts.