Former UFC fighter Alexander Romanov will face former NCAA wrestling champion and current UFC fighter Gable Steveson in a professional freestyle wrestling match at RAF09 on May 30. Steveson holds a 3-0 MMA record while Romanov is 21-4 overall with a 7-3 UFC record. The matchup represents an interesting crossover between MMA and wrestling, featuring a UFC prospect in Steveson against a veteran heavyweight in Romanov. Both fighters have strong wrestling backgrounds, making this a compelling grappling showcase. The bout takes place outside the UFC octagon in a pure wrestling format.
Alexander Romanov and Gable Steveson are set to meet in a professional freestyle wrestling match at RAF09 on May 30, stepping outside the MMA cage for a pure grappling contest between two heavyweights with deep wrestling pedigrees.
Romanov, known as "King Kong," is a 34-year-old heavyweight from Moldova who carries a verified 19-3-0 professional MMA record. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, the veteran has built his reputation as a physical, pressure-based fighter throughout a lengthy career that has included stints in the UFC. His striking accuracy sits at a remarkable 75 percent, reflecting a disciplined, selective approach on the feet.
Steveson enters the freestyle match as one of the most decorated amateur wrestlers to recently transition into MMA. The current UFC fighter holds a 3-0 professional record and brings with him the credentials of a former NCAA wrestling champion, making him a legitimate grappling threat even against experienced veterans. Verified data for Steveson was not available in the database at time of publication.
Why it matters
- Romanov's verified 19-3-0 record and UFC experience make him a credible test for Steveson's wrestling credentials in a professional setting
- The bout takes place in a pure freestyle wrestling format, shifting the contest away from the MMA skill sets both men also possess
- For Steveson, a high-profile wrestling match against an established UFC heavyweight raises his visibility ahead of a continued MMA career
- The crossover format adds an unconventional wrinkle to both fighters' promotional profiles heading into the second half of 2026
