Roman Dolidze Replaces Carlos Ulberg, Meets Anthony Smith at UFC 303

Roman Dolidze is moving up a weight class to face Anthony Smith on short notice at UFC 303 .

Dolidze will replace Carlos Ulberg , who withdrew from the event due to an undisclosed injury. The Las Vegas-based promotion announced the new light heavyweight bout on Friday. UFC 303 takes place on June 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and is headlined by a light heavyweight championship rematch between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka .

Dolidze earned triumphs over Khadis Ibragimov and John Allan at 205 pounds in UFC competition before transitioning to the middleweight division. The 35-year-old Xtreme Couture representative has gone 4-3 since then and is coming off back-to-back decision defeats against Nassourdine Imavov and Marvin Vettori .

A former light heavyweight title challenger, Smith has been victorious in two of his last three Octagon appearances. Most recently, “Lionheart” submitted the previously unbeaten Vitor Petrino in the opening stanza at UFC 301.

Ulberg’s withdrawal is the latest change to a 205-pound contest that was originally announced as Khalil Rountree vs. Jamahal Hill . Rountree was forced to exit the event due to a failed drug test, and then Hill pulled out due to injury. Ulberg, who has won six straight outings in the UFC, released a statement via social media on Friday.

“I regret to announce my [withdrawal] from UFC 303. I suffered an injury during training this week and my medical team have advised that extended time is required to heal,” Ulberg wrote. “We look forward to return in spectacular form and a step closer to the top. I appreciate all of your ongoing support.”