PFL heavyweight finalist Alexander Romanov immediately feels at home with his new promotion after being one of the top perspectives of the UFC.
Alexander Romanov was one of the best heavyweight prospects of the UFC during his time in the promotion and deserved victories over Chase Sherman, Rodrigo Nascimento and Blagoy Ivanov. After one up and down term of office in the UFC, Romanov left for the PFL in Free Agency earlier this year to enter the World Tournament format of the competition.
Romanov's Big Gamble has set off well and could pay him $ 500K with a victory over Oleg Popov at the PFL World Tournament Finals on August 21. Romanov went to the championship via No-Contest, because of a casual Liesschot from Valentin Moldavsky in the first round.
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Alexander Romanov places UFC, PFL titles on the same level on MMA -Hierarchy
Romanov is one of the many UFC -Castaways to find success in the PFL Smartcage. Francis Ngannou was at the forefront when the former champion of the UFC heavyweight champion at the PFL schedule in 2023 closed.
The purchase of the PFL Bellator has not paid enormous expectations, because various top stars such as Aaron Pico and Patricio 'Pitbull' have left the competition on negative conditions. Some fans and experts believe that the PFL has further distanced itself as a potential 'co-leader' in MMA with the UFC.
Romanov does not subscribe to that story and regards the two promotions as equals.
In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, Romanov made a daring claim about what would mean winning a PFL championship for his life and career compared to if he had won a UFC title.
“100 percent [more gratifying]”Romanov said.
“I don't see any difference between these titles, because you become a world champion. I don't understand the people who say 'oh' oh [the PFL title] Is not so good '. You have the best two organizations in the world and it doesn't matter in this company. UFC champion, PFL champion, I think it's at the same level.
“The same level of skills, because I am pretty sure that some of the boys who are active PFL champions can beat the current UFC champions.”
If Romanov wins next month, he plans to call Ngannou for a potentially superfight in the PFL Smartcage. Ngannou has not fought anymore since he defeated PFL champion Renan Ferreira last year 2023.
Alexander Romanov chose an intriguing opponent for Francis Ngannou's boxing efficiency
In our sitdown with Romanov, the PFL Heavyweight chose an intriguing option for the next boxing fight by Ngannou, while the former UFC champion is preparing for his return. Romanov believes that Ngannou should focus on a heavyweight fight with former title holder Daniel Dubois.
Earlier this month, Dubois lost in his title Rematch with Oleksandr Usyk by Knockout. In images that were shared only a few hours before the fight, Dubois organized a big house party in the early morning hours, which made criticism of around combat sports.
Ngannou has not fought in Boxing since he was eliminated by Dubois' former rival, Anthony Joshua, last year. He is 0-2 in his professional boxing career.