Who does Roberto Soldic Face Next?
After a successful UFC debut, we take a look at who Croatian fighter Roberto Soldic could face in his next UFC outing
With a lot of hype surrounding the debut of Roberto Soldic, the Croatian lived up to that hype with a one-sided decision victory over Khaos Williams at UFC 332.
The former two-division KSW champion struggled in the first round, being dropped twice by the American before rallying in the second and third rounds in emphatic fashion. His striking was on point and vicious, and he mixed in takedowns to make sure that he secured the rounds.
A lesser man than Khaos Williams would have certainly been finished by Soldic, but the UFC newcomer showed that he can fight smart as well as chaotically when needs be.
He said in his post-fight speech that he will accept any offer put on the table for him, and we look at what those options could be.
Matchmaking Roberto Soldic
Daniel Rodriguez
D-Rod, Daniel Rodriguez is a veteran of 15 UFC fights and currently has a number next to his name. At number 15 in the division, he lost in quick fashion in his last fight to Uros Medic to snap a three-fight winning run.
It's a fight that makes sense. Soldic is extremely talented and, at 31, needs to kick on in the UFC in order to make a real run at things. If Soldic faces Rodriguez and wins, he'll get a ranking next to his name. If he faces Rodriguez and loses, it's proof that the step up to the UFC's elite is too much.
It's also a fan favourite fight. Both men come to throw down each and every time and entertain fans.
Myktybek Orolbai
Myktybek Orolbai was a huge favourite last time out when he lost to Jeremiah Wells and certainly needs a bounce-back win to get his momentum back.
Orolbai is certainly talented and could still make a run at the welterweight elite but, like D-Rod, needs a win over a respected name to get back in the conversation.
Soldic vs Orolbai would provide a clash of styles as the Croatian would look to keep things on the feet and look to pick his opponent off, whereas Orolbai would look to wrestle. He averages 8.22 takedowns per fight and it would provide Soldic with a different test from that which he saw in his debut against Williams.
Belal Muhammad
If the UFC really want to push Soldic, Belal Muhammad could be the fight to make. The former champion has lost his last three fights, all of which have been in convincing fashion and has slipped down the rankings and is completely out of any conversation for a title shot.
With his last win coming in 2024, he's not in a position to turn down fights, and if the UFC want to give Soldic a huge push ahead of 2027, Muhammad is the one to go for.
