Sometimes, winning isn’t enough.
Around 48 hours after Alexander Romanov secured a unanimous decision victory over Rodrigo Nascimento at UFC Edmonton, the Moldovan heavyweight was removed from the promotion’s active roster. Romanov wasn’t cut; his contract expired, but he left the event without a new deal.
Often, a fighter in Romanov’s position would not be concerned about continuing his career in the UFC. However, the 33-year-old told reporters he was hopeful to receive a new deal.
Romanov’s situation is a tough one. While powerful and solid as a wrestler, Romanov is rarely in the greatest physical condition. His physique is often reminiscent of former UFC heavyweight Roy Nelson.
This was the case on Saturday against Nascimento.
Romanov and Nascimento looked nearly exhausted at the end of their clash. There was no doubt Romanov deserved the victory. He controlled Nascimento with his wrestling through the first two rounds and outstruck him in the final frame.
However, this was one of those fights where neither man emerged looking impressive in victory or defeat. The heavyweight division has some exciting new blood, which could be a bad sign for Romanov and Nascimento. Rizvan Kuniev, Talisson Teixeira, Danylo Voievodkin, and Mário Pinto are all heavyweights who earned a contract on Season 8 of the Dana White Contender Series.
Teixeira was especially impressive, and he made his main roster debut at UFC 310 vs. Lukasz Brzeski. With younger and more athletic heavyweights making their way into the UFC, it may be hard for guys like Romanov to find favor with the powers that be. In Romanov’s career, he is 18-3. Romanov is 7-3 in the UFC, winning over Nascimento and other mid-tiered heavyweights. He has fallen short almost every time he’s gone up against top-level heavyweights like Jailton Almeida or Alexander Volkov. It will be interesting to see if the UFC re-ups with Romanov or if he finds himself with the Professional Fighters League or back with Eagle FC, which is the promotion he was with before coming to the UFC.
Other UFC News – Newest Rankings Drop on November 5
After UFC Edmonton, we aren’t expecting to see many changes in the rankings. Erin Blanchfield defeated Rose Namajunas, so she should hold her spot in the UFC women’s flyweight division. Nascimento came into the fight with Romanov, who was ranked No. 15.
He could slip and give way to a heavyweight set to fight on the card before his opponent, Derrick Lewis, was forced out due to a medical condition. The undefeated Jhonata Diniz could slide up to No. 15. the 33-year-old has been rebooked for a fight against Marcin Tybura at UFC 309 on November 16.
Tybura is currently ranked No. 9; if Diniz is ranked on Tuesday and then wins at UFC 309, he could quickly find himself in the Top 10 at heavyweight. Be on the lookout for rankings coverage in the morning on November 5.
Also, it is fight week for UFC Vegas 100. I’ll look closer at the historic card as we whet our appetites for the Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic headliner set for UFC 309.
