Dolidze backs his power to settle grappling duel with de Ridder at UFC Sacramento

Roman Dolidze has declared himself the stronger man heading into his light heavyweight debut against Reinier de Ridder at UFC Sacramento, backing his physicality to be the deciding factor in what he expects to be a grappling-heavy contest.

Dolidze is making the step up to 205 pounds after spending the bulk of his UFC career at middleweight. The Georgian fighter said the heavier division suits him better physically, citing the toll that years of cutting to 185 pounds had taken on his body. De Ridder is making the same move, having suffered back-to-back losses at middleweight.

“I think stylistically this fight is very interesting because he’s also a very good grappler,” Dolidze said at UFC Sacramento media day. “Tall, strong guy and not bad in striking. But I think I’m much more powerful and we’ll compete, compare our grappling, let’s see.”

Both fighters built their reputations primarily through grappling, which sets up a direct test of who can impose their game on the other. Dolidze acknowledged de Ridder’s credentials on the mat but made clear he believes the physical gap between them will be decisive once they reach 205 pounds.

Dolidze also revealed the fight had been on his radar for some time, having previously called for the matchup when both men were competing at middleweight. He was pleased when the UFC made it official for the light heavyweight division.

“I was waiting for something, some names in 205 and he was the first name that they offered and I was very happy,” he added.

For de Ridder, the bout represents a chance to reset his career after consecutive defeats ended his middleweight run. For Dolidze, it is an opening statement in a new division and an opportunity to establish himself among the light heavyweight contenders.