Romanov wants new deal after UFC Edmonton, decides to speak now

EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada – Alexandr Romanov beat Rodrigo Nascimento with a unanimous decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 246 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Take a look inside the fight with Romanov, who got back in the win column after a June submission loss to Jailton Almeida.

Alexandr Romanov def. Rodrigo Nascimento

Nov 2, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Alexandr Romanov (red gloves) fights Rodrigo Nascimento (blue gloves) in a heavyweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Result: Alexandr Romanov def. Rodrigo Nascimento via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Updated records: Romanov (18-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC), Nascimento (11-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC)
Key stats: Romanov landed six takedowns and controlled 3 seconds more than half the fight.

Romanov on the fight’s key moment

“(My submission) was very close, but was very slippery. I lost my grip, but it doesn’t matter. I have shown today that for me, it doesn’t matter: I can (win standing up), too.”

Romanov on his cardio questions

“The biggest question every time for my side from all the people is that I have a big problem with my cardio. You’re wrong, guys. Now I’m in great shape because I work with a super crazy professional team. I have crazy support in my house – my kids, my family, my wife, my parents, and if a man gives all his life in the hands of God, nothing can stop him.”

Romanov on what he wants next

Derrick Lewis

“I hope (I get a new contract), because I feel that I am just in the beginning of my biggest jump to the top 10. For me, it doesn’t matter who will be my next opponent. (I still want to fight Derrick Lewis after we were rebooked) because for me, it’s a very interesting match because he’s this a name. He’s a massive, strong guy and for me, that’s going to be a very good test.”

To hear more from Romanov, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 246.