Preview: UFC on ESPN 19 Main Card

Light Heavyweights

NR | Roman Dolidze (7-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. NR | John Allan (13-5, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Dolidze (-165), Allan (+145)

Dolidze is an intriguing light heavyweight prospect, although it remains a bit unclear how he will develop from this point forward. Over the course of his regional career, the Georgian has flashed a little bit of everything, but Dolidze’s game still does not have much in terms of structure or one standout skill. While Dolidze has reliably been able to find a finish in his bouts, he has not been controlling those fights up until the moment he can author a knockout or submission. Dolidze’s UFC debut against Khadis Ibragimov in July was a perfect example. The fight just chugged along for a few minutes, until Dolidze suddenly knocked Ibragimov senseless with a kick to the head. It will be interesting to see what Dolidze can accomplish against Brazil’s Allan, who returns after a drug suspension stemming from his UFC debut against Mike Rodriguez in 2019. Allan did not have much in the way of expectations heading into that bout, but he managed to earn a decision win—later overturned—through constant pressure, activity and durability. Those three factors should also serve him well here. Given how well Allan’s chin has held up over his career, Dolidze’s path to victory is likely via submission, particularly since the Brazilian does not have much to offer on the ground. While Dolidze has caught a few opponents, he also does not typically dictate the terms of his fights, so he will likely engage Allan in the type of standup war the Brazilian can win. Beyond that, if Dolidze cannot knock out Allan, the Georgian has yet to prove he can keep a pace for three rounds. The pick is Allan via decision.

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