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UFC Vegas 28 results: Roman Dolidze clinches his way to unanimous decision win against Laureano Staropoli

UFC Fight Night: Dolidze v Staropoli
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

It won’t end up on any highlight reels but Roman Dolidze still did enough to get his first win at middleweight at UFC Vegas 28.

Using a grappling heavy game plan, Dolidze controlled Laureano Staropoli against the cage for the better part of 15 minutes to win a unanimous decision. The scorecards all ready 30-27 for Dolidze, who returns to the win column after suffering a loss in his 185-pound debut back in March.

Taking on a smaller opponent, Dolidze closed the distance in the opening round, grabbed the body lock and attempted to outgrapple Staropoli but it took a lot of effort to finally drag him to the mat. Even after Dolidze was able to bring the fight to the ground, Staropoli was quick to scramble back to his feet as the fighters remained deadlocked in the clinch.

Dolidze was determined to employ that same strategy as the fight continued while looking to put Staropoli on the canvas by any means necessary. When Staropoli was finally able to break free of Dolidze’s grasp, he struggled to put together any meaningful offence with his strikes before he was once again stuck in that same clinch position against the cage.

By the time the fight faded into the third round, Staropoli was finally able to stay at striking range for a little while longer but he was also hesitant to really unleash any combinations because he wanted to avoid further takedown attempts. Like clockwork, Dolidze waited until he found an opening to secure the same grappling position, which forced Staropoli to play defense yet again.

When the final horn sounded, Staropoli was obviously frustrated as he continued jawing at Dolidze but the result was still the same with the Georgian fighter getting the win and moving to 9-1 in his career.

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