In an unexpected turn of events, the UFC has announced a last-minute change to the upcoming pay-per-view card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Devin Smith, originally slated to face Carlos Ulberg, will now go head-to-head with middleweight contender Roman Dolidze on Saturday, June 29.

Dolidze, who normally competes in the light heavyweight division, has courageously accepted the challenge and stepped up to fill the void left by Ulberg. Despite only having eight days' notice, Dolidze aims to make a mark in the middleweight division.

The bout between Smith and Dolidze was speculated earlier as the frontrunner replacement, and now the fight has been officially confirmed by MMA Fighting. Excitement is building up as fight fans anticipate a thrilling encounter between the two athletes.

Looking back at Dolidze's recent performances, he had an exceptional 2022 campaign, securing three stoppage victories in a row. However, 2023 has proven to be a challenging year for him so far, as he suffered a decision loss to Marvin Vettori at UFC 286. He continued to face adversity in February when he went up against Nassourdine Imavov and lost in a decision in the main event of UFC Vegas 85. Now, Dolidze aims to bounce back and reclaim his winning form.

In contrast, Smith enters the fight with newfound confidence, following a remarkable first-round submission victory against Vitor Petrino at UFC 301 in May. The win propelled Smith's career forward, and he will be eager to maintain his momentum on the International Fight Week card.

With both fighters hungry for success, this clash promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle for UFC fans around the world. The unexpected change in opponents adds an element of uncertainty, making this matchup even more intriguing. Fight enthusiasts will be closely watching as Smith and Dolidze step into the octagon on June 29, ready to showcase their skills and vie for victory.