Former UFC heavyweight Alexander Romanov faced a challenging moment in his second Professional Fighters League (PFL) match, which ended abruptly due to an unfortunate incident. During the bout against Russian fighter Valentin Moldavsky in Chicago, Romanov suffered a severe injury from a low kick that led to him crumpling to the mat in evident agony.
Known as “King Kong,” the 34-year-old Romanov, once a promising prospect in the UFC, made the transition to PFL this year, aiming for success in the heavyweight division. Sadly, just as the fight was nearing its conclusion in the first round, he was struck low by Moldavsky, who inadvertently delivered the blow while the two were grappling along the ropes.
Despite Romanov’s attempts to gain the upper hand with his signature takedowns, the fight turned dire within the final moments of the first round. After the incident, the referee immediately called for medical assistance, and the cage-side doctor confirmed that Romanov could not continue the fight. He was subsequently transported from the arena on a stretcher, resulting in the match being declared a “no contest.”
Prior to this encounter, Romanov had showcased his skills impressively in his PFL debut in May, where he secured a victory against Timothy May by submission, setting the stage for a potential title shot. This latest setback was particularly unfortunate, as it hampered his momentum in the league.
Romanov’s resilience will be tested as he recovers from this injury, and fans are hopeful that he will bounce back and continue to pursue his goals within the sport. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of combat sports, where an unexpected moment can significantly alter a fighter’s trajectory.