Former and future UFC fighters will meet in a professional freestyle wrestling competition at RAF09 on May 30th. Gable Steveson, who holds a 3-0 MMA record, will face Alexander Romanov, who has a 21-4 overall MMA record including a 7-3 run in the UFC. The matchup represents an interesting crossover between MMA and pure wrestling, featuring Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, against Romanov, an established UFC heavyweight. Details about the specific wrestling ruleset or weight class were not provided in the post.
Two fighters from different chapters of the UFC heavyweight division are set to collide on the mat rather than inside the Octagon, as Gable Steveson and Alexander Romanov are booked for a professional freestyle wrestling match at RAF09 on May 30th.
Steveson arrives at this contest as one of combat sports' most decorated amateur wrestlers. The Olympic gold medalist carries a 3-0 MMA record as he works toward a professional fighting career, and this bout represents a rare opportunity to see his world-class grappling credentials tested against seasoned competition in a pure wrestling format.
Romanov, who fights out of Moldova, brings serious heavyweight pedigree to the matchup. The 34-year-old, nicknamed "King Kong," holds a 19-3-0 professional MMA record and has spent time competing at the highest level in the UFC's heavyweight division. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he is a physically imposing presence, and his UFC tenure gave him experience against elite-level opposition.
Why it matters
- The bout is a genuine crossover event, pitting an elite amateur wrestling pedigree against a proven professional MMA career.
- Steveson gets a high-profile test of his wrestling against a legitimate heavyweight with UFC experience before his MMA career progresses further.
- Romanov, transitioning away from his UFC run, steps into a discipline where his opponent holds the clearest competitive advantage on paper.
- The specific freestyle ruleset and weight class for the match have not been confirmed, leaving key competitive details still outstanding ahead of the May 30th card.
