Back in November, Alexandr Romanov was surprisingly released from the Dana White-led UFC—just after securing a dominant unanimous decisive win over Rodrigo Nascimento at UFC Edmonton. The victory was sweet for the Moldovan heavyweight, but his contract had expired, and the UFC CEO chose not to renew it, though it’s unclear who within the organization made that final call. Despite Romanov boasting a solid 7–3 record in the Octagon, questions lingered about whether Dana White was truly dissatisfied with his performance or if there was something else at play. Now, with ‘King Kong’ making his PFL debut, it’s possible the UFC boss might be watching with second thoughts.

The Molodovan has officially landed in PFL, and he certainly didn’t waste any time in making a statement that would wreck the UFC as well. In 2025, PFL World Tournament 4, ‘King Kong’, was pitched against former UFC fighter Tim Johnson for an action-packed fight. Romanov, who was cut from the UFC, wanted to make a statement, and he did by defeating the American in the very first round by securing a guillotine choke just 1:53 into the opening round, forcing a tap and punching his ticket to the heavyweight semifinals.

Johnson began the contest circling on the outside, mixing in low kicks and flashing a double jab. Romanov responded with sharp counters, including a heavy left hand that caught attention early. Johnson tried to pressure forward, but Romanov quickly turned the tide. Both of the fighters clinched near the fence, which forced ‘King Kong’ to get back on his momentum.

The American was looking to throw a combination, but Romanov wrapped him up in a crushing standing guillotine and dragged him to the fence, and within seconds, Johnson tapped. After the victory, Johnson might have suffered from injury to his ribs, but the officials have yet to release any statement. As Romanov breaks down the doors to the PFL, the fans couldn’t keep their calm as they question the UFC CEO, Dana White, rather an important question.

Fans demand answers from Dana White as Alexandr Romanov submits fighter in round 1

Alexandr Romanov was cut from the UFC last November, shortly after his victory over Rodrigo Nascimento. It’s worth noting that he had been coming off a loss to Jailton Almeida prior to that fight. Fans were left confused by the decision, as Romanov held an impressive 7–3 record during his UFC tenure. A fan wrote, “When did the UFC cut him?”

Since PFL acquired Bellator, it has been bashed by various MMA fighters. Gegard Mousasi labeled the PFL as the “worst” MMA promotion, citing financial constraints and the organization’s inability to honor contracts. Similarly, Cris Cyborg called out the PFL for a lack of fighting opportunities. In addition to that, some section of the fans are fed up with substandard fighting entertainment. Looking at this, a fan added, “Embarrassingly low level mma. Front choke against the fence in 2025? ” Moreover, another fan expressed the same emotion when he stated,“Haha bro pfl has no promotion I didn’t know Romonov was cut.” 

With a career record of 19 victories and three defeats, Alexandr Romanov is considered one of the most promising heavyweights in the world today. He has finished 16 of his 19 wins, making him an exciting fighter to watch. Despite this, he has been released from the UFC—a decision that has left many fans confused.“The fact that he got cut is still wild to me.” 

Another fan added,“He shouldn’t have bet cut from the ufc his grappling is legit.” Is Romanov’s grappling good? Well, it certainly is. The fighter has won 11 of his victories by way of submission despite being a heavyweight. Alexandr Romanov is a decorated grappler, having won gold at the 2015 UWW World Grappling Championship (No-Gi) in the +100 kg division. In addition to that, he is the Moldovan freestyle wrestling champion.

Last but not the least, a fan emphasized that Romanov did exactly what Dustin Poirier wants to do to his opponents, “What Dustin wishes he could do,” and why is that? Well, that’s due to the fact that Poirier’s favorite move is the Guillotine, however, he has seldom finished anyone with it.

As Alexandr Romanov makes a name for himself in the world of combat sports despite being by the UFC, what are your thoughts on his future? State your opinion in the comments below.