A key protegee of the legendary Fedor Emelianenko, Valentin Moldavsky had quite the achievements prior to joining MMA. He trained in Sambo, judo, and Greco-Roman wrestling in his youth, Moldavsky became a Combat Sambo champion on the European and World levels in 2018. He went 7-2 in Bellator, at one point becoming Interim Bellator Heavyweight World Champion, before debuting in the PFL during the 2024 Global Season. Now, he comes into tonight off a decision over Sergei Bilostenniy in the First Round of the World Tournament.

 

Alexandr Romanov started his career 16-0 and has proven to be a finishing machine, with 16 of his 19 victories so far coming via a stoppage. The Moldovan native is a wrestling specialist who made his PFL debut in May, submitting Tim Johnson. Now, Romanov finds himself one fight away from competing for a Tournament Title in the PFL.

 

Who will go on to face Oleg Popov in the Finals of the Heavyweight World Tournament?

 

 

Round 1

 

Low kick from Moldavsky misses. Right jab misses for Moldavsky. The two are still feeling each other out. One-two from Moldavsky. Romanov responds in kind. Low kick from Moldavsky. Romanov comes in, and we get a body lock battle, with Romanov winning by pressing Moldavsky into the fence. Romanov with a great body lock, and he belly-to-belly suplexes Moldavsky! Romanov pressing in half-guard top. Left hand from Romanov. Romanov hunting for an arm-triangle? Now he’s going for an Americana! Moldavsky defends it.

 

Romanov displays strength as he moves Moldavsky. Moldavsky getting to his feet near the fence. Romanov gets behind Moldavsky. Moldavsky lands an elbow. Romanov tries to get Moldavsky back down – and he does so! Moldavsky back to his feet and goes chest-to-chest against the SmartCage. Double underhooks from Moldavsky before a break. Right hands from Romanov. Moldavsky with a scratch on his back. Moldavsky wobbles Romanov with a power shot! The two are swinging now! Romanov presses Moldavsky into the fence again. Inside shots from Moldavsky, and a knee lands low on Romanov! Romanov is down in pain! The doctor is being called in.

 

 

Alexander Romanov is unable to continue the fight, which is called with 34 seconds left in the first round.

 

 

Romanov is stretchered out of the SmartCage.

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Valentin Moldavsky vs. Alexandr Romanov ends in a no contest due to an accidental foul in the first round (groin strike, 4:26)

 

Per PFL World Tournament rules, for the purpose of determining advancement in the tournament, in the case of a no contest the three judges are asked to choose the fighter who they think had the most complete body of work for the entirety of the fight.

 

The judges chose Romanov to progress to the Finals. The official result will remain a no contest.

 

Romanov will face Oleg Popov for the 2025 PFL World Tournament Heavyweight Title.