UFC on ESPN 35: Romanov finishes Chase Sherman, gets BJJ Brown belt in the octagon

Benny A. King

Alexandr Romanov is the face of the new generation of the Heavyweight talent coming to the UFC.

Moldovan athlete faced Chase Sherman for the last bout on the UFC on ESPN 35 preliminary card.

Romanov was originally scheduled to face Tanner Boser, however, earlier this month, Boser announced on social media that an injury has forced him out of the contest.

In his absence, Chase Sherman took the role of saving the heavyweight bout from being canceled. As a result of the last-minute

Romanov became one of the biggest betting favorites in UFC history.

Romanov was 15-0 coming into the event whereas Sherman was 15-9.

Romanov opened as a huge favorite – among the biggest in UFC history with mean odds peaking at -2300.

Romanov hails from Moldovia and has been with the promotion as far back as September of 2020. In UFC he’s amounted 4 out of his 15 victories.

Some of the men that have cancelled bouts against him are Tanner Boser, Ilir Latifi, Marcin Tybura and Marcos Rogerio de Lima. Romanov is still unranked.

Another reason for Romanov getting the public vote of confidence is because Chase Sherman is on a big losing streak. Sherman lost last 3.

Sherman last won in 2020 against Ike Villanueva. He’s since lost to Andrei Arlovski, Parker Porter and Jake Collier, one via submission and two via decision.

Romanov made sure to let everyone know that he wasn’t the favorite by mistake. As soon as the bout started, Romanov made good use of his elite wrestling skills, and nearly send Sherman flying across the cage.

After getting the action to the ground, Romanov showed superior grappling skills and carved his way through Sherman’s defenses. After landing in mount-control, Alexandr threw a barrage of punches that appeared to really hurt his opponent.

To finish the bout, Romanov locked in an Americana. Sherman tried to free his arm, but Romanov’s grip ended up being too much, and eventually led to the tap.

With an undefeated record of 16-0, Romanov is certainly a threat to anyone in the Heavyweight division. Few heavyweights will have the wrestling ability to deal with constant takedown threats from the Moldovan prospect.

Looking to step up in the rankings, Romanov named the 13th ranked Heavyweight Augusto Sakai as his potential next opponent.

After his submission win, Romanov’s grappling coach awarded him the much-deserved BJJ Brown belt.