MMA Knockout

Marvin Vettori left speechless after losing close decison at UFC Vegas 104

'The Italian Dream' took to Instagram to voice his frustration after dropping the main event to Roman Dolidze at UFC Vegas 104.

Zain Bando

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Fresh off a shoulder injury that kept Marvin Vettori out of the Octagon for nearly two years, the former UFC middleweight title challenger had appeared to turn a corner Saturday night when he rematched Roman Dolidze in the main event of UFC Vegas 104.

Then the judges' scorecards were read, which saw Vettori (19-7 MMA, 9-6-1 UFC) come up short in a 49-46 unanimous decision against Dolidze (15-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC). The fight was a rematch of a March 2023 meeting where Vettori had defeated Dolidze by decision at UFC 286.

Now the series is even at a fight apiece, as the 31-year-old has dropped two-straight for the first time in his career.

Top-ranked middleweight contender avenges previous loss in UFC Vegas 104 main event

Marvin Vettori Details What Went Wrong At UFC Vegas 104

Vettori took to his Instagram story to share his thoughts about the loss.

Marvin Vettori reacts during his fight with Roman Dolidze during UFC 286 at O2 Arena.
Marvin Vettori reacts during his fight with Roman Dolidze during UFC 286 at O2 Arena. / Per Haljestam-Imagn Images

"Nothing too bad – just some cuts and bruises,” Vettori said. “F***, man. Life sometimes shows you that even when you give your heart out and everything you’ve got, you still fall short. That was a close fight. Almost had him in the third. But I guess it wasn’t enough. Yeah man. F***. I don’t even know what to say.”

Marvin Vettori Itching For A Win As Soon As Possible

Vettori remained gracious in defeat, however, and said he is excited for what's to come.

Marvin Vettori during the fight against Robert Whittaker during UFC Fight Night at Accor Arena.
Marvin Vettori during the fight against Robert Whittaker during UFC Fight Night at Accor Arena. / Per Haljestam-Imagn Images

"Thank you to ATT,” Vettori said. “The best in the world, bro. … Love you guys. Thank you, UFC. What the f*** can I say, bro? I don’t know.”

UFC Vegas 104 live fight night results & highlights for Vettori vs. Dolidze 2

Vettori entered the fight ranked No. 8 at middleweight, as it was his first outing since losing to Jared Cannonier (18-8 MMA, 11-8 UFC) in June of 2023.

The loss likely keeps Vettori out of action for another extended period, but only time will tell.

More MMA Knockout News


Stick with MMA Knockout for more FREE coverage of the UFC, MMA, Boxing.

Follow MMA Knockout on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Published
Zain Bando
ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer for MMA Knockout, part of the Sports Illustrated/Minute Media umbrella. He has covered combat sports since 2019 for notable outlets BJPenn.com and FanSided MMA. He also co-hosts a podcast called "The MMA Outsiders," part of the Empty The Bench Podcast Network, which airs Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. A Chicago suburban native, Bando has been enthralled with MMA since 2006 and has been fortunate to attend some of the most high-profile events in the sport's history, both as a fan and media member, including UFC 264, Bellator 297 and Kayla Harrison's PFL MMA debut. He is excited to take the next step in his combat sports writing journey and looks forward to continuing his following of the fight game for years to come. Bando can be reached via email at zainbando99@gmail.com or by social media @zainbando99

Home/News