Alexander Romanov: Ex-UFC Heavyweight Stretchered Out After Horrific Nut Shot in Semifinal Fight
The energy inside the arena was palpable. Fans, fighters, and media alike had gathered for what promised to be a thrilling set of semifinal bouts in the tournament. I had a front-row seat to all of it—armed with my notepad and recorder, ready to document every fast-paced moment. What I didn’t expect was to witness one of the most shocking and painful incidents in UFC history that night. Alexander Romanov’s semifinal fight turned into the kind of spectacle that leaves an entire crowd stunned into silence.
It was a moment I wish I didn’t witness, but as someone covering the fight, I couldn’t look away. What I saw and heard will stay with me for a long time.
A Fired-Up Crowd Awaiting Action
If you’ve been to a UFC event before, you know the atmosphere is electric. Fans wearing their favorite fighters’ jerseys, flags draped over shoulders, the unmistakable roar after walkouts—all of it creates a cocktail of excitement and anticipation. On this night, the stakes were even higher. It was a semifinal bout, meaning the fighters had everything to lose and everything to gain.
Alexander Romanov, known among fans as “King Kong,” had his usual imposing demeanor. Standing at 6’2” and weighing over 260 pounds, his presence was commanding—even before stepping foot in the Octagon. He had been on a tear leading up to this fight, and you could feel the crowd’s mix of admiration and intimidation as they cheered and jeered during his introduction.
I couldn’t help but be drawn to his opponent as well. Jamie Theodosi, a relatively new yet fierce competitor, was leaner but visibly more agile. The dynamic between the two promised an interesting contest—power versus speed, brute strength against technical precision.
The bell rang, and the crowd’s roar surged to a crescendo.
The Fight Begins
The first round started predictably. Romanov bulldozed into Theodosi, clinching him against the cage, trying to utilize his wrestling superiority early. Those of us on media row had expected him to do this—his game plan was no secret. His grinding pace often left opponents exhausted by the second round.
Yet, Theodosi surprised us all. He slipped out of Romanov’s grip and immediately started throwing quick, precise jabs that chipped away at the bigger man’s stamina. You could hear the unmistakable thud of glove meeting flesh, often punctuated by shouts from each fighter’s corner. Romanov’s strikes landed heavier, but Theodosi’s were faster. This back-and-forth dynamic kept the audience on edge.
Through it all, Romanov looked composed—his expression stoic, his focus unshaken. You could tell he was biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
No one could have predicted what happened next.
The Moment That Altered Everything
It was midway through the second round. Romanov had cornered Theodosi once again, aiming for a takedown that could spell doom for his opponent. Theodosi, desperate to create space, threw a wild, looping kick. I can still hear the sickening sound it made—a thunderous, misplaced strike that went nowhere near its intended target. Instead, it landed squarely, horrifically, in the worst place possible for any male fighter.
Right then, the arena gasped as one. It wasn’t just the audible groan from Romanov that shocked us but the sight that followed. The towering heavyweight immediately crumpled to the canvas, clutching himself in agony. For a moment, it was hard to process what had happened; my instincts as a reporter kicked in, and I grabbed my camera. But as I zoomed in to get a clearer view, it was clear this wasn’t something anyone wanted to see, much less linger on.
The officials quickly stepped in, calling for a break in the action. Romanov’s corner rushed to his side, and Theodosi stood frozen, clearly shaken by what had transpired. To his credit, there wasn’t a single hint of malice in his expression—he knew it was an accident, yet the damage had already been done.
The Agony Unfolds
Sitting as close to the action as I was, I had a firsthand view of Romanov’s visible agony. His face contorted in pain, his body completely unresponsive to the attempts of his coaches to help him stand. The referee had already signaled for the doctor, but it was abundantly clear—this wasn’t something that could be walked off within a few moments.
Minutes felt like hours. The crowd, which moments before was deafeningly loud, now sat in hushed concern. A few whispers rippled through the seats around me:
“Is he okay?”
“Man, that’s brutal.”
“Can they even finish the fight?”
I wish I could answer their questions, but as I scribbled notes and recorded audio, even I didn’t know what was coming next. What was certain is that Alexander Romanov couldn’t continue—not tonight.
The Stretcher and the Aftermath
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the medical team made the call. Romanov would need to be stretchered out of the Octagon. It’s not something you see often in the UFC, especially not during an accident like this. The officials gave Theodosi a warning; while accidental, the kick could still have regulatory consequences.
But all eyes were on Romanov. As he was carefully loaded onto the stretcher, it was clear the fighter was in serious condition. I watched as fans gave a round of applause—not the kind meant for a victorious exit but one heralding respect for a warrior cut down in the heat of battle.
I couldn’t help but wonder, what will this mean for Romanov’s career? Fighters like him don’t come around often—relentlessly powerful yet disciplined and tactical in their approach. He was a top contender, after all. But injuries like these have ways of shaking even the most resilient among us.
Reflections from the Arena
I stayed long after the fight ended, thinking back on everything I’d witnessed. There’s something sobering about seeing a man as formidable as Alexander Romanov in such a vulnerable state. It was a reminder of the unforgiving nature of this sport—how, in an instant, everything can change.
Romanov’s opponents have always sung his praises, not just as a fighter but as a person. Those on the circuit say he’s a family man, carrying the weight of expectations not only for himself but for the people who have supported him along his UFC journey. You could feel the importance of that even in the way his team handled him, their faces etched with concern and solidarity as they took him backstage.
What’s Next for Romanov?
Nobody can say for sure what lies ahead for Alexander Romanov. There’s speculation that he may be sidelined for several months, perhaps longer. The nature of his injury isn’t something that fighters often talk about publicly, and the UFC has yet to release an official update on his condition.
Still, if there’s one thing Romanov has proven time and again, it’s his heart. This fighter has worked his way through grueling matches, navigating the brutal business of mixed martial arts with grace and determination. If anyone has the resilience to bounce back from this, it’s him.
Final Thoughts
This night will go down in history, not for a highlight-reel knockout or a controversial decision, but for the stark reminder it gave us all about the brutal unpredictability of combat sports. Alexander Romanov may be down now, but as anyone who’s followed his career knows, you can’t count him out yet.
For now, all we can do is hope for his swift recovery. His fans, myself included, wait eagerly for the day “King Kong” steps into the Octagon again—this time not as a victim of misfortune but as the fierce competitor we know and respect. Until then, I’ll hold onto this night, not just as a journalist but as someone who witnessed the raw and humbling nature of an uncompromising sport.
