Marvin vettori Issues a statement following the UFC Fight Night 254 defeat

Marvin Vettori, an Italian middleweight contender, suffered a devastating defeat on March 15, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 254, when he lost to Roman Dolidze in their highly anticipated rematch. After a break of 20 months, Vettori returned to the ring for the fight, but despite his resilience, he was unable to win.

Following the defeat, Vettori took to social media to address his fans and the MMA community with a simple but powerful message

Lion is still a lion. Spirit was never broken.

This brief but profound statement captures Vettori's mindset, which has shaped his career. The 30-year-old fighter made it abundantly clear that his determination has not wavered, despite the fact that the defeat was undoubtedly a difficult one to accept.

The Battle: Vettori versus 2 Dolidze

The rematch between Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze was one of the most anticipated middleweight clashes of the year. Their first bout, which took place at UFC 286 in March 2023, ended in a unanimous decision victory for Vettori. This time, however, the result was different.

After his previous defeat in the 185-pound division to Jared Cannonier in June 2023, Vettori entered the fight with the intention of reestablishing himself in the top tier of the division. Dolidze, on the other hand, came in with a solid strategy and kept Vettori on the defensive with his powerful striking and grappling.

Dolidze dominated the majority of the battles, securing a decisive victory despite Vettori's endurance and trademark toughness. The loss was disappointing for Vettori, who had aimed to make a strong statement in his return.

The Way Vettori Reacted: A Fighting Mentality

After the fight, Vettori said, "A lion remains a lion." Spirit was never broken.”—says a lot about his mentality as a fighter. While some athletes might react with frustration or disappointment, Vettori chose to focus on his resilience and unwavering determination.

He is not new to this way of thinking. After his loss to Jared Cannonier in June 2023, Vettori had made similar comments, refusing to let defeat define his career. Instead, he emphasized learning from setbacks and coming back stronger.

For Vettori, this fight was another chapter in his journey, not the end of the road. He is one of the best fighters in the middleweight division because he is willing to fight tough opponents and overcome obstacles.

What's Marvin Vettori's Next Move?

With this loss, Vettori’s record stands at 19 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw. He is still a strong contender in the division, despite the fact that he has lost three times in a row.

1. A Comeback Fight Against a Ranked Opponent

Given his status in the division, Vettori will likely face another top-10 or top-15 fighter next. Jack Hermansson, Brendan Allen, or Derek Brunson—skilled fighters who are not yet in the running for the title—could be a possible opponent.

2. A Return to Italy for a UFC Event

A UFC Italy event could be a fantastic opportunity for Vettori to fight in front of his home crowd as the UFC expands into European markets. A comeback fight in Rome or Milan would be a massive event for Italian MMA fans.

3. A Shift in Strategy?

After two losses, Vettori may consider making adjustments to his fighting style. He has always been good at endurance, cardio, and wrestling, but he might try to improve his striking or his fight intelligence to catch up to elite competitors.

Israel Adesanya is a former middleweight champion of the UFC and one of the best strikers in MMA history who has fought twice.

Paulo Costa – A thrilling fight that showcased Vettori’s heart and endurance.

Jared Cannonier – A tough, record-setting loss that tested his durability.

Kevin Holland's dominating victory demonstrated his wrestling abilities.

Vettori still has plenty of time to rebuild and attempt a second title run at the age of 30. Before eventually reaching the top, numerous fighters in UFC history have experienced ups and downs in their careers.

Last Thoughts

Marvin Vettori's response to his defeat at UFC Fight Night 254 demonstrates why he remains one of the sport's most tenacious fighters. "A lion remains a lion," was his post-fight message. Spirit was never broken.”—captures his fighting spirit perfectly.

In his next fight, fans can anticipate a hungrier and more motivated Vettori as he regroups and tries to recover. Whether it’s a rematch, a fresh challenge, or a big fight in Italy, one thing is certain: Marvin Vettori isn’t going anywhere.