Alexandr Romanov Interview Ahead of UFC Vegas 52

Alexandr Romanov vs. Chase Sherman Preview:

Alexandr Romanov (15-0, 4-0 UFC) has a ground game that is arguably superior to any heavyweight on the roster. Undefeated as a professional, Romanov has finished 14 of his 15 wins with six wins by KO/TKO and eight submissions. His devastating ground-and-pound has rightfully earned him the nickname ‘King Kong’. Romanov has a wide variety of submissions in his bag as well, including a forearm choke that he used to put Marcos Rogerio de Lima to sleep back in 2020. While he’s yet to fight a ranked opponent, Romanov has shown no weaknesses to this point in his career. 

Chase Sherman (15-9, 3-8 UFC) is back on the UFC roster to face Romanov on five days’ notice. Following a loss to Jake Collier, the UFC opted not to renew Sherman’s contract. However, Sherman finds himself in a situation that few fighters get, where he has a chance to prove he belongs in what is now his third stint in the UFC. Having won 14 of his 15 wins by KO/TKO, Sherman is a threat as long as he can keep this fight standing. Coming in as a massive +1000 underdog, he faces an extremely tough task in beating Romanov; but Sherman has one-punch power, so nothing is ever a safe bet. 

Alexandr Romanov Interview:

Danny Podolsky: How much of a change does it make switching opponents from Tanner Boser to Chase Sherman?

Alexandr Romanov:  Honestly, I don’t think it’s going to be a big change for me at all. I was preparing for a fight all this time and it doesn’t matter who will be my opponent. I’m ready to face them all! 

Podolsky: Is it frustrating for you being undefeated and 4-0 in the UFC, but you’re yet to fight a ranked opponent or crack the top 15?

Romanov: Well, I would say that with every fight  I gain more experience and strength. I have gone through a long journey on my way here, so it’s still a journey and I’m glad of every opportunity to make sure my skills are seen and really make an impact in this industry. 

Podolsky: Do you believe you will crack the rankings with a win on Saturday?

Romanov: Every win is taking me closer to my final goals and for sure I wish to be ranked. With all my fights I’m getting closer and I want to be interesting to watch. 

Podolsky: How high in the rankings would you like to be by the end of 2022?

Romanov: By the end of this year, with the help of God, our hard work, discipline and persistence, my goal is to be in the top five. 

Podolsky: Looking back on your four opponents that you have faced in the UFC, who has posed the toughest challenge for you?

Romanov:  Looking back at my opponents, I would say that all of them were  dangerous in their own ways, but none stick out specifically.

Podolsky: What gives you the biggest advantage in this fight over Chase Sherman?

Romanov: The biggest advantage that I have with this fight is the hunger to win. I have been waiting for such a long time, so King Kong is going hunting!

Podolsky: Have you gotten to watch any of Sherman’s previous fights, and is that a big part of how you train?

Romanov: I got acquainted with Chase Sherman’s basic behavior and his way of acting in the cage. Every fight has a different perspective, so we’ll see how it goes in our case. But I promise I will show up on my end, for sure. 

Podolsky: Are you still interested in fighting Tanner Boser again in the future? 

Romanov: Of course, I would be down to fight Tanner Boser in the future. He’s got  good stylistic behavior in the cage and it would be another great opportunity to maintain my place in the business so I’m open to that. 

Podolsky: How did you get your nickname King Kong?

Romanov: People tried to stick me with several different nicknames in this business, but the one that lasted was really King Kong . I think I got it, because of my usual fighting move, called “the double hammer fist” that I use to totally overbear the opponent. 

Podolsky: If all goes well and you beat Chase Sherman, how many times do you want to fight this year and are there any ranked Heavyweights that you would like to fight next?Romanov: Ideally, I would prefer to fight four more times by the end of this year. I’m really looking forward to it! The names that come to mind are definitely Aleksei Oleinik and Augusto Sakai, but I’m willing to fight anyone.

Featured Image Credits to Embed from Getty Images