Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Alexander Romanov (fighter)

Discover the career path of Alexander Romanov (fighter), from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Alexandr Romanov is a Moldovan professional mixed martial artist and freestyle wrestler. He is currently competing in the Heavyweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL) after previously fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2016: Bronze Medal at the 2016 World University Championships

In 2016, Alexandr Romanov secured a bronze medal at the World University Championships in freestyle wrestling.

2016: Silver in the OPEN European Cup

In 2016, Alexandr Romanov won silver in the OPEN European Cup in sumo wrestling.

October 3, 2019: Signed with the UFC

On October 3, 2019, Alexandr Romanov signed a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

April 25, 2020: UFC Debut Cancelled

On April 25, 2020, Alexandr Romanov was scheduled to make his UFC debut against Raphael Pessoa, but the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 12, 2020: Removal from UFC 251

On July 12, 2020, Alexandr Romanov was initially slated to face Marcin Tybura at UFC 251, but Romanov was removed from the card on July 1 due to a positive COVID-19 test.

September 5, 2020: Bout Scratched at UFC Fight Night

On September 5, 2020, Alexandr Romanov was scheduled to face Marcos Rogério de Lima at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Sakai, but the bout was scratched the day of the event when Lima tested positive for COVID-19.

September 12, 2020: UFC Debut Victory

On September 12, 2020, Alexandr Romanov made his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night: Waterson vs. Hill, where he defeated Roque Martinez via arm-triangle choke in the second round.

November 7, 2020: Victory and Performance of the Night

On November 7, 2020, Alexandr Romanov faced Marcos Rogério de Lima at UFC on ESPN: Santos vs. Teixeira and defeated Lima with the first forearm choke in UFC history in the first round, earning him Performance of the Night honors.

2020: 2020 European Wrestling Championships

In 2020, Alexandr Romanov participated in the European Wrestling Championships, where he finished in twelfth place.

April 17, 2021: Technical Split Decision Victory

On April 17, 2021, Alexandr Romanov faced Juan Espino at UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Gastelum. Romanov was declared the winner via technical split decision after an accidental knee to the groin rendered him unable to continue.

October 9, 2021: TKO Victory Over Jared Vanderaa

On October 9, 2021, Alexandr Romanov faced Jared Vanderaa at UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Rodriguez and won the fight via technical knockout in round two.

February 19, 2022: Bout Cancellation

On February 19, 2022, Alexandr Romanov was expected to face Ilir Latifi at UFC Fight Night 202; however, the bout was cancelled for undisclosed reasons.

April 23, 2022: Victory Against Chase Sherman

On April 23, 2022, Alexandr Romanov, replacing Rodrigo Nascimento, was scheduled to face Tanner Boser at UFC Fight Night 205, but after Boser was replaced by Chase Sherman due to injury, Romanov faced and defeated Sherman via keylock submission in the first round.

August 20, 2022: Loss to Marcin Tybura

On August 20, 2022, Alexandr Romanov faced Marcin Tybura at UFC 278. Romanov lost the fight via a controversial majority decision.

March 11, 2023: Loss to Alexander Volkov

On March 11, 2023, Alexandr Romanov faced Alexander Volkov at UFC Fight Night 221. He lost the fight via technical knockout in the first round.

July 2023: Victory over Blagoy Ivanov

In July 2023, Alexandr Romanov faced Blagoy Ivanov at UFC on ESPN 48 and won the fight by unanimous decision.

December 30, 2023: Victory at Fury Pro Grappling 8

On December 30, 2023, Alexandr Romanov competed against Chris Daukaus at Fury Pro Grappling 8 and won the match by decision.

June 1, 2024: Loss to Jailton Almeida

On June 1, 2024, Alexandr Romanov faced Jailton Almeida at UFC 302. He lost in the first round via rear-naked choke in his first submission loss.

July 25, 2024: Loss at Pit Submission Series 7

On July 25, 2024, Alexandr Romanov faced Roosevelt Sousa at Pit Submission Series 7 and lost the match by submission.

November 2, 2024: Victory against Rodrigo Nascimento

On November 2, 2024, Alexandr Romanov faced Rodrigo Nascimento at UFC Fight Night 246 and won the fight by unanimous decision.

November 5, 2024: Removal from UFC Roster

On November 5, 2024, it was reported that Alexandr Romanov's contract was not renewed, leading to his removal from the UFC roster.

December 28, 2024: Victory at Fury Pro Grappling 12

On December 28, 2024, Alexandr Romanov competed against Dymere Rappa in the main event of Fury Pro Grappling 12 and won the match by submission with a north south choke.

January 27, 2025: Signed with Professional Fighters League

On January 27, 2025, Alexandr Romanov announced on Instagram that he had signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

March 5, 2025: Joins 2025 PFL Heavyweight Tournament

On March 5, 2025, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) officially revealed that Alexandr Romanov would join the 2025 PFL Heavyweight Tournament.

May 1, 2025: Quarterfinal Victory at PFL 4

On May 1, 2025, Alexandr Romanov faced Timothy Johnson in the quarterfinal at PFL 4 and won the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the first round.

June 27, 2025: Advanced to Tournament Final

On June 27, 2025, Alexandr Romanov faced Valentin Moldavsky at PFL 7 in the semifinals. The bout ended in a no contest after Moldavsky accidentally hit Romanov with a groin strike, rendering him unable to continue. Romanov advanced to the tournament final based on the judges' decision.