Former and future UFC fighters will clash at the professional wrestling tournament RAF 09 on May 30. Gable Steveson, who holds a 3-0 MMA record, will face Alexander Romanov, who has a 21-4 overall record including 7-3 in the UFC. The bout represents a crossover between MMA and professional wrestling for these two heavyweight competitors. Steveson is a former Olympic gold medalist making waves in combat sports, while Romanov is an experienced UFC veteran.
Two heavyweight fighters from different combat sports backgrounds will collide at RAF 09 on May 30, when Gable Steveson meets Alexander Romanov in a professional wrestling bout.
Steveson enters the match carrying a 3-0 MMA record and arrives with significant name recognition from the combat sports world. The American is a former Olympic gold medalist who has been making a transition into fighting professionally, and RAF 09 represents another step in that crossover journey.
Romanov, known by the nickname "KING KONG," brings considerably more seasoned credentials to the mat. The 34-year-old Moldovan stands six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach and holds a verified record of 19-3-0. He has spent time competing at the highest levels of MMA and is familiar with the pressures of high-stakes heavyweight competition. His striking accuracy sits at a remarkable 75 percent, a figure that underscores the precision he brings to combat exchanges.
Why it matters
- Romanov is an established heavyweight name, giving Steveson a credible test at RAF 09
- The bout bridges MMA and professional wrestling, drawing interest from fans across both sports
- At heavyweight, name recognition and momentum matter, and both fighters have reasons to want a strong performance
The event provides Romanov with an opportunity to stay active and visible in the heavyweight landscape while Steveson continues building his combat sports profile against experienced opposition.
