Alexandr Romanov says he needs several more fights before he can ask for UFC title shot

SALT LAKE CITY – Alexander Romanov is thinking about a future title shot, but he’s going about it in a rational and realistic manner.

The unbeaten Romanov has 15 of his 16 wins by stoppage and is off to a perfect 5-0 start in the UFC against increasingly tough competition, including back-to-back finishes of Jared Vanderaa and Chase Sherman.

Saturday at UFC 278, Romanov (16-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) takes on Marcin Tybura (22-7 MMA, 9-6 UFC) at heavyweight to close out the preliminary card at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City. It’s the kind of fight that can propel him into the upper echelon of the division.

“This is a very big opportunity to show I can fight in the top 10,” Romanov said at Wednesday’s UFC 278 media day. “I have respect for him because he’s a very tough fighter. He has good fights, and his skills on the ground and standing are interesting. I think we’ll (have) a good fight.”

But despite his quick rise in the division with a chance to have six UFC heavyweight wins in less than two years – so far, all five of his bouts in the promotion have been in front of no fans at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas – Romanov isn’t putting the cart before the proverbial horse.

“For sure, I’m coming here for the title,” he said. “I think the guys who don’t think about the title don’t have a future in this division. (But) I’m a professional – I think I need to win three or four more fights, and then I’ll try to get a title shot.

“I think I need to make a very spectacular fight – make some beautiful takedowns, make a KO or a submission.”

Check out Romanov’s full media day interview in the video above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 278.