UFC on ESPN 72: Dolidze vs. Hernandez, set for August 9, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, headlines with a pivotal middleweight clash between #9-ranked Roman Dolidze and #10-ranked Anthony Hernandez. Both fighters are riding strong win streaks and bring contrasting styles that promise a high-paced, physically demanding five-round battle.

Roman Dolidze
Roman Dolidze (15–3) is a heavy-handed, physically imposing Georgian fighter known for his knockout power, dangerous clinch game, and solid grappling credentials. A former WWFC light heavyweight champion and decorated submission grappler, Dolidze has finished 11 of his 15 career wins.

Since a pair of decision losses in 2023 and early 2024, Dolidze has rebounded with three straight wins, including a TKO over Kevin Holland and a unanimous decision against former title challenger Marvin Vettori in their March 2025 rematch. He uses a mix of power striking and opportunistic grappling, often looking to control opponents against the fence before unloading with damaging shots.

Roman Dolidze – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Marvin Vettori – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, March 15, 2025
2. Win vs. Kevin Holland – TKO (Corner Stoppage) – UFC 307, October 5, 2024
3. Win vs. Anthony Smith – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 303, June 29, 2024 – Light Heavyweight Bout
4. Loss vs. Nassourdine Imavov – Decision (Majority) – UFC FN, February 3, 2024
5. Loss vs. Marvin Vettori – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 286, March 18, 2023

Dolidze’s keys to victory will be controlling range with his jab, punishing Hernandez in the clinch, and stuffing takedowns early to keep the fight standing where his power is most dangerous.

Anthony Hernandez
Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez (14–2, 1 NC) is one of the most relentless pressure fighters in the UFC middleweight division. Known for his suffocating pace, cardio, and submission prowess, Hernandez has finished 8 opponents by submission, including a memorable win over elite grappler Rodolfo Vieira. His constant forward pressure forces opponents into exhausting defensive battles.

Hernandez is riding a seven-fight winning streak, with recent wins over Brendan Allen, Michel Pereira, and Roman Kopylov. His blend of volume striking, clinch work, and chain wrestling wears opponents down before he hunts for a submission or ground-and-pound finish.

Anthony Hernandez – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Brendan Allen – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, February 22, 2025
2. Win vs. Michel Pereira – TKO (Elbows) – UFC FN, October 19, 2024
3. Win vs. Roman Kopylov – Submission (RNC) – UFC 298, February 17, 2024
4. Win vs. Edmen Shahbazyan – TKO (Elbows & Punches) – UFC FN, May 20, 2023
5. Win vs. Marc-André Barriault – Technical Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) – UFC FN, September 17, 2022

Hernandez’s best path to victory is applying non-stop pressure, mixing strikes with takedown attempts, and dragging Dolidze into deep waters where his cardio advantage can take over.

This fight is a stylistic battle between Dolidze’s explosive knockout threat and Hernandez’s relentless pace and grappling control. Dolidze has the edge in one-punch finishing power, but Hernandez has the cardio and pressure to break opponents over time. The smaller cage at the Apex could favor Hernandez’s ability to close distance and trap Dolidze against the fence.

If Dolidze can keep Hernandez at range and avoid being stuck on the mat, he could score a fight-ending blow. However, if Hernandez survives the early storm and forces extended grappling exchanges, the momentum likely swings in his favor.

Prediction
Hernandez’s pace and durability make him hard to put away, and his wrestling-heavy style could neutralize Dolidze’s power over five rounds. Expect Dolidze to have early success but fade under constant pressure.

Prediction: Anthony Hernandez def. Roman Dolidze via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) – Round 4

A win for Hernandez could earn him a top-5 opponent, while Dolidze will look to regroup and adjust if he falls short.