A look at K Guard in MMA: Roman Dolidze
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When you think of the nation of Georgia in relation to mixed martial arts, Ilia Topuria and Merab Dvalishvili usually come to mind. Competing at featherweight and bantamweight respectively, the pair have been at the forefront of the countries recent explosion into the mainstream, with many firmly riding their hype trains heading into the new year.
Despite just picking up his own ranking, 2022 was nothing short of a perfect year for middleweight Roman Dolidze (12-1), who finished all three of his opponents in relatively quick fashion. Earning ‘Performance of the Night’ honors in each of his outings, it was Dolidze’s most recent win over the reputable Jack Hermansson that catapult him into the top 15.
Although his grappling has always been on display since joining the UFC in 2020, it’s largely his striking that has been a focal point throughout his tenure. With big knockouts over Khadis Ibragimov and Kyle Daukaus, it’s no secret that he packs some power in his strikes. As of late, however, his response to wrestling and work from guard has stolen my attention…
Initial Reactions
Dolidze does not rely heavily on combinations. He often throws single shots, finding success through pressure, stance switches, feints, and throwaway punches. Damage and precision are clear priorities, which explains his rigid stance and high guard. While effective defensively, this approach can leave him more vulnerable to takedowns, an important factor when discussing his grappling.
Both Phil Hawes and Jack Hermansson were able to capitalize by getting in low, shooting deep, or stepping behind Dolidze to bring the fight to the mat. While the consequence is notable, Dolidze does not appear overly concerned with denying these attempts. Instead, he trusts his guard, content to work from his back to inflict damage or create space for sweeps.
Punishing opponents for engaging him on the ground is a recurring theme. It reflects activity and, at times, dominance, even from the bottom. Judges often assume the fighter underneath is losing, particularly when there is little movement, but Dolidze consistently challenges that perception.
It is refreshing to see an MMA fighter, especially an unexpected one, use his guard with clear intent. While the position allows for rest or recovery, its primary purpose should be offense, whether that means setting up sweeps, dealing damage, or creating opportunities to return to the feet. Working from guard keeps submissions in play, though strong top players like Glover Teixeira have built effective counters through well-placed strikes, frames, and posts. Posting, in particular, allows a fighter to pin an opponent’s limb while opening lanes to strike.
Dolidze’s goal is simple. If an opponent chooses to grapple with him, he makes sure the experience is as punishing as possible.
K Guard
Roman Dolidze has recently unveiled a new layer to his guard playing ability with a look that isn’t seen often in the cage.
Known as K Guard, this position is tricky to pull off but provides a number of benefits if done so. It involves having your opponent either standing or kneeling, and can be done from closed or open guard. You must have your knee inside of theirs, with the foot resting on the outside, usually on the hip. The other foot is cupped under the armpit. To the right is a picture for reference.
What Is K Guard — and Why It Works
K Guard is named for its resemblance to the letter K. It’s an effective position for initiating sweeps or accessing the legs. The foot cupped beneath the armpit pulls the opponent forward, disrupts their balance, and opens up multiple attacking opportunities. Equally important is the grip on the leg, a small detail that makes a big difference.
From K Guard, fighters can attack heel hooks or transition to submissions like triangles and armbars, making it an aggressive offensive position. It is not without risk, though, as poor grips or an opponent denying inside knee position can quickly shut it down.
For Dolidze, elbows and punches from the bottom help force reactions that set up K Guard.
Against Jack Hermansson, those strikes pushed the Swede into extending his arms to avoid damage. Dolidze capitalized by securing the leg and sliding his knee deeper into position.
As a result, the Georgian put Hermansson on the defensive. While he did not hold top control for long, the sequence highlighted his grappling ability. Hermansson would find himself stuck there again later in the fight, which ultimately led to his undoing.
Although Dolidze did not complete a sweep, he showed K Guard’s effectiveness by transitioning into an armbar before returning to the position. Hermansson remained trapped with little chance of escape, and the referee eventually stepped in, awarding Dolidze the seventh knockout of his career.
So far, Dolidze has used K Guard to sweep opponents or strike his way to a stoppage. But how does it work for leg locks? Against Phil Hawes in July 2022, he appeared intent on heel hooking his way to victory.
Final Thoughts
Currently scheduled to face Marvin Vettori on March 18, Dolidze is quite clearly in the form of his life. The 34-year-old is determined to make 2023 his biggest year yet, and with Vettori occupying the number #4 ranking, he’s in a somewhat win-win situation.
Losing against a top contender would definitely be a setback. However, he’d likely retain his ranking and have to fight someone beneath him next time out. A couple more wins and Dolidze would find himself once again being matched with someone ranked higher; another shot to break into the top 5. A victory over Vettori, though, would do nothing short of fantastic things for his career.
With champion Alex Pereira likely rematching Israel Adesanya, the only man in the top 5 with a claim to fight for the belt would be Robert Whittaker. A positive result at UFC 286 could see Dolidze position himself nicely for a number 1 contender matchup.
Having improved smoothly since his promotional debut, Roman Dolidze is looking like a solid middleweight who continues to add tricks to his repertoire. The addition of K Guard not only makes for enjoyable viewing, but forces us spectators to reassess his skills and perhaps start judging him in a higher light.
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