Former and future UFC fighters will meet in a professional wrestling bout at RAF09 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 match will take place under freestyle wrestling rules rather than MMA. The matchup represents an unusual crossover event bringing together competitors from different combat sports backgrounds.
Alexander Romanov and Gable Steveson are set to collide in a professional wrestling match at RAF09 on May 30, stepping outside the cage for a bout contested under freestyle wrestling rules.
Romanov, known as "King Kong," is a 34-year-old heavyweight from Moldova who carries a 19-3-0 record. He has competed in the UFC and brings considerable grappling pedigree to this crossover contest. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Romanov has built his combat sports career around his physical imposing presence and wrestling base.
Steveson enters with a 3-0 MMA record and arrives from a decorated amateur wrestling background. The matchup pits two fighters whose credentials are rooted in grappling against each other, though the freestyle wrestling format means neither will be drawing on striking or submission skills from their MMA careers.
Why it matters
- The freestyle wrestling format strips away striking and submissions, making pure wrestling credentials the deciding factor
- Romanov's professional MMA experience contrasts with Steveson's unbeaten but limited pro record, adding an unusual competitive dynamic
- The event represents a broader crossover trend between MMA organizations and competitive wrestling platforms
- A strong performance by either fighter could elevate their profile ahead of potential future MMA bookings
