Alexandr Romanov squeezes his way into a submission win and Semifinals spot

Alexandr Romanov is a wrestling specialist who started his professional career 17-0 before taking his first loss. A Moldovan native, Romanov has scored finishes in 15 of his 18 victories. Romanov most recently fought in November, defeating Rodrigo Nascimento.

Tim Johnson, a former All-American wrestler and an active member of the U.S. National Guard, has made his name all over the world of MMA. Johnson went 4-5 in his recent Bellator stint, including being an interim heavyweight world title challenger. Johnson competed as a fill-in during last year’s regular season, finishing Danilo Marques but losing to eventual champion Denis Goltsov in the playoffs.

Which of these two will move on to the Heavyweight Semifinals?

Round 1

Johnson moving on the outside. Low kick from Johnson. Big left hand from Romanov. Johnson with a double jab. Low kick from Johnson. Right hand flashed from Romanov. Left hand from Romanov. Johnson pressuring Romanov, but Romanov grabs a hold of him. Romanov presses Johnson against the fence. Knee by Romanov. Johnson appears to have hit Romanov with a knee below the belt. As the fight resumes, Johnson tries for a combination, but he doesn’t get all of it. Romanov grabs a hold of Johnson near the fence. Romanov has a tight standing choke, lifting Johnson, and there’s the tap! Johnson may have hurt one of his ribs during that last exchange.

HEAVYWEIGHT STANDING GUILLOTINE!

ROMANOV WINS!#PFLWorldTournament LIVE NOW
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— PFL (@PFLMMA) May 2, 2025

Romanov with a highlight finish as he moves on to the Semifinals!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Alexandr Romanov def. Tim Johnson via first-round submission (guillotine choke, 1:53), advancing to the Semifinals in the Heavyweight Bracket.

He’ll face the winner of Valentin Moldavsky vs. Sergey Bilostenniy.