UFC’s Roman Dolidze beat Jack Hermansson via TKO in the second round during their middleweight clash at UFC Orlando. “The Caucasian” tied up Hermansson’s right leg before taking his back and unloading on him. This left several fans and fighters in shock as it was an unusual move. Well-known fighters like Charles Oliveira and Aljamain Sterling reacted to the submission and shared their thoughts online.
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The Georgian Dolidze had won four out of his last five fights in the UFC. He also took the fight against 34-year-old Hermansson on 12 days’ notice. Hermansson, on the other hand, was 3-2 in his last five, with losses against Marvin Vettori and Sean Strickland.
Fans react to Jack Hermansson vs. Roman Dolidze at UFC Orlando
Swedish-born Hermansson last won in the octagon in July 2022 against Chris Curtis. However, Dolidze did not let “The Joker” make it two in a row at UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Holland. He went for a leg-lock before locking up Hermansson’s leg in a calf-slicer. The 34-year-old used the submission to pin Hermansson on the canvas and secure a TKO win.
Despite taking the fight on less than two weeks’ notice, the Georgian got his hand raised. He is now on a four-fight win streak with knockout wins over Kyle Daukaus and Phil Hawes. His win over Hermansson could earn him a spot in the rankings, in addition to making him a name to watch out for in the middleweight division.
Fans on social media reacted to the genius move and the win.
Wow. That was incredibly crafty by Dolidze. Brilliant.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 4, 2022
Roman Dolidze def. Jack Hermansson via TKO (magic) at 4:06 of Round 2 #UFCOrlando
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) December 4, 2022
Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira expressed his surprise at Dolidze’s approach. Having a win via calf-slicer himself, ‘Do Bronx‘ expected the same approach from that position from Roman Dolidze.
Wow, I imagined Dolidze would sub via calf slicer.
— Charles 'DoBronxs' Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) December 4, 2022
That calf slicer position was insane to watch. Haven't seen many fighters get such a dominant position like that.
Dolidze is the truth #UFCOrlando
— Weasle (@ThaWeasle) December 4, 2022
UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling also gave props to Dolidze for his win.
WOW!! That is nasty position to find yourself in! HUGE WIN!!! 🇬🇪 #UFCOrlando
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 4, 2022
Roman Dolidze calls out Khamzat Chimaev. That would legit be a fun fight. #UFCOrlando
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) December 4, 2022
Dolidze followed up his impressive win with a bold callout of Khamzat Chimaev.
Welcoming new challenges with open arms! 🙌 @RomanDolidzeUFC #UFCOrlando pic.twitter.com/3vMGIJcbob
— UFC_Asia (@UFC_Asia) December 4, 2022
One fan pointed out how Hermansson had tough luck taking fights on short notice.
Jack getting fucked over by taking short notice matchups against unranked fighters when he was originally scheduled to fight easier ranked matchups is why this sport sucks
— Shed Boy (@Callum_JN) December 4, 2022
“First of all, I’m a grappler. World champion grappling, but I can knock people out. I’m a self-made grappler. It’s just natural.” Dolidze said during the post-fight interview.
He then called out Khamzat Chimaev to a middleweight bout. “It’s with all respect, Khamzat [Chimaev] I don’t think will make [170 pounds] anymore. I’m ready for him. I’m here.”
What did you think of Dolidze’s win? How do you think a sight between him and Khamzat Chimaev would go? Let us know in the comments below.
