UFC Fight Night – Roman Dolidze vs Anthony Hernandez: Preview & Betting Tips

A crucial middleweight bout headlines this weekend’s UFC Fight Night as Roman Dolidze and Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez lock horns in a five-round battle at The Apex.

Dolidze (15-3) returns to action looking to build on his contender credentials after three wins in a row, with his most recent victory coming against Marvin Vettori in early 2025.

However, Hernandez (14-2, 1 NC) is not the kind of fighter who lets opponents set the pace and capitalise on any momentum they may have. The American has amassed seven straight victories in the UFC, with his most notable wins including finishes of submission specialist Rodolfo Vieira, and stoppage wins against rising prospects Edmen Shahbazyan and Roman Kopylov.

Tale of the Tape

Roman Dolidze – Odds 3.50 (Sky Bet)

Record: 15-3

Age: 37

Height: 6ft2

Reach: 76”

Weight: Middleweight

Stance: Orthodox

Anthony Hernandez – Odds 1.29 (Sky Bet)

Record: 14-2, 1 NC

Age: 31

Height: 6ft

Reach: 75”

Weight: Middleweight

Stance: Orthodox

Roman Dolidze vs Anthony Hernandez: Analysis

This main event is a clear litmus test for both men and with both on a win streak, the winner of this one could find themselves a couple of fights away from title contention at 185-pounds.

The Georgian powerhouse is best known for his dangerous finishing instincts whether it’s through heavy counterstrikes on the feet or punishing top control on the mat. But, it may be difficult to finish Hernandez considering he’s not been stopped in five years.

“Fluffy” is a cardio machine, known for his suffocating grappling pressure and a pace that breaks many of his opponents by the third round. So with this being a five-round fight, this could suit the American who loves to push the pace early doors.

This one is a much better main event than last weekend’s. You have one guy that thrives off of explosive moments versus someone who loves to break his opponents will and desire.

Dolidze vs Hernandez: Prediction & Betting Tips

Dolidze has real fight-ending power, and Hernandez has been dropped before. However, Dolidze will need to land early because if he can’t finish in the first two rounds, the tide likely turns in the favour of “Fluffy”.

I expect Dolidze to start well and land powerful counters and look to sprawl and brawl. But as the fight stretches past the midway point of the second round, Hernandez’s relentless pace and grappling will begin to tell. His ability to chain takedowns, mix in submission attempts and maintain top control should wear down the Georgian.

I think Anthony Hernandez gets the job done, but the value on his moneyline isn’t really good. It is a toss-up in terms of how he wins the fight, and although there is better value in separate method of victories, I’m taking Anthony Hernandez to win by KO/TKO or submission at odds of 1.91 (Sky Bet).

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