HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Alexandr Romanov hasn’t always, but right now he feels appreciated.
Two fights into his PFL tenure, Romanov (19-3) said he’s mentally and physically in the best shape he’s ever been. He attributes that, at least partially, toward what he feels is a clear promotional direction.
“You know form my perspective, there’s more opportunities here in PFL, I feel,” Romanov told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Tuesday. “UFC never gave me enough fights. They don’t keep (us) busy at heavyweight and I don’t understand why. Usually, when I just started fighting professional MMA, I was very active. I was fighting four or five times a year. As soon as I signed the contract with the UFC, I started just fighting twice a year. It’s a little bit holding you back. Because for a professional athlete, it’s the most important moment to be active. You have to know and see the goal in front of you – what you’re training for.”
PFL has breathed new life into Romanov’s career after a somewhat unexpected UFC departure. Romanov competed 10 times in the UFC from 2020 to 2024 and went 7-3. When his second UFC contract ended, however, the promotion declined to re-sign him. This, despite Romanov winning his final UFC bout.
“I didn’t know what’s going on now with these guys, what’s in their heads. I think heavyweight is really what you can call a king division. If you cut guys who are on a winning streak, maybe something is wrong with them. I can’t comment in this moment. But I think these guys who were cut after a win is a big mistake.”
“… I don’t know if the respect the heavyweights or not. It’s better to give this question to them, personally. I think to cut the guys on a win streak… sorry, it’s bullsh*t.”
Romanov, 34, fights Oleg Popov (21-2) on Thursday at 2025 PFL World Tournament 10 in the promotion’s heavyweight tournament final. Should he win, Romanov will move to 2-0 with one no contest in three appearances.
“My hand will be raised up,” Romanov said.
