Gable Steveson and Alexander Romanov will compete in a professional wrestling match at RAF09 on May 30. Steveson, who holds a 3-0 record, will face Romanov, a former and future UFC fighter with a 21-4 overall record and 7-3 UFC record. The match represents a crossover between Olympic wrestling and MMA, as both athletes come from combat sports backgrounds. Details about the wrestling ruleset and specific event location are not provided in the brief announcement.
Alexander Romanov and Gable Steveson are set to meet in a professional wrestling match at RAF09 on May 30, marking an unusual crossover event between Olympic-level amateur wrestling and mixed martial arts.
Romanov, known as "King Kong," is a 34-year-old heavyweight from Moldova who has built a reputation as one of MMA's most physically imposing grapplers. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he carries a verified record of 19-3-0 and has competed at the highest level of the sport in the UFC. His striking accuracy sits at a remarkable 75 percent, reflecting a precise if measured approach to his craft. The RAF09 booking signals his continued activity in combat sports ahead of a reported return to the UFC.
Steveson enters the match with a 3-0 record in his own combat sports career. The American is best known as an Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling, making him a credible and dangerous opponent in any competition that centers on grappling. His decorated amateur background gives him elite credentials on the mat.
Why it matters
- The bout bridges the worlds of Olympic wrestling and professional MMA, drawing attention from fans of both disciplines
- Romanov, a UFC-level heavyweight, faces a genuine wrestling specialist in Steveson, creating an intriguing stylistic test
- The outcome could carry reputational weight for Romanov heading into his anticipated UFC return
- Specific ruleset and location details have not yet been announced, leaving key questions about the format open
