Gable Steveson (3-0) will compete against Alexander Romanov (21-4, 7-3 UFC) in a professional freestyle wrestling bout at RAF09 on May 30. Steveson is a former UFC fighter while Romanov is described as a future UFC fighter, suggesting he may currently be outside the organization. The match represents a crossover between MMA and wrestling for both athletes. Additional details about the event location or other participants were not provided in the post.
A crossover wrestling event is set to bring together an Olympic champion and a heavyweight MMA contender, with Gable Steveson and Alexander Romanov scheduled to meet in a professional freestyle wrestling bout at RAF09 on May 30.
Steveson enters the match with a 3-0 record in professional competition and carries significant amateur pedigree as a former UFC-affiliated wrestler. The bout marks another step in his crossover journey between elite wrestling and combat sports.
Romanov, known by the nickname "King Kong," is a 34-year-old Moldovan heavyweight who carries a 19-3-0 professional MMA record. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, the 188 cm fighter has built a reputation as a physical, imposing presence. His UFC tenure produced a 7-3 mark inside the organization, and the announcement describes him as a future UFC fighter, indicating he is currently competing outside the promotion. His striking accuracy sits at a remarkable 75 percent, though he averaged just 0.01 significant strikes per minute — underscoring a style rooted far more in grappling and control than stand-up output.
Why it matters
- Romanov's return trajectory to the UFC could be shaped by his performance in crossover competition
- Steveson's continued presence in professional bouts keeps his combat sports profile active following his UFC departure
- A freestyle wrestling format strips both men down to pure grappling, offering a different lens on Romanov's ground-based MMA game
No venue location or additional card details were provided alongside the announcement.
