The year 2021 was quite eventful for the UFC and they would definitely want 2022 to exceed their fan’s expectations. As a result, several blockbuster fights have been confirmed for the next year. There is yet another interesting bout scheduled in February next year: Ilir Latifi versus Alexandr Romanov.
Marcel Dorff shared this news on Twitter. He wrote, “Alexandr Romanov will fight Ilir Latifi at UFC event on February 19th. #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN”.
Alexandr Romanov will fight Ilir Latifi at UFC event on February 19th. #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN pic.twitter.com/SZxIH6DjEn
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) December 28, 2021
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Ilir Latifi himself confirmed his upcoming bout against Romanov on February 19th. Therefore, fans are excited to see an exciting bout in the heavyweight division. However, other details like location and venue are still not confirmed officially. According to reports, the event will most likely happen at UFC APEX in Las Vegas.
— Ilir Latifi (@Latifimma) December 28, 2021
Latifi has competed at both light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. ‘The Sledgehammer’ moved up a division after 12 UFC fights. Sadly, he lost his first UFC heavyweight bout against Derrick Lewis. After a break of almost one and a half years, he came back and defeated Tanner Boser.
His experience in the light heavyweight division might give him an edge over his opponent. Further, he also has much more experience as a professional MMA fighter as compared to Romanov.
However, his upcoming fight against Alexander Romanov will be an extremely difficult fight to win.
Is it a good fight for Ilir Latifi?
While Latifi might be the more experienced fighter, ‘King Kong’ is no pushover. He started his professional fighting career in 2016 and has not lost a single fight. The Moldovan fighter believes in finishing his opponents and leaves no room for arguments. Out of 15 MMA fights, he has won only one bout through a decision. Rest all were won through either T/KOs or submissions.
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Because of this, Latifi might run the risk of getting choked or knocked out. But only time can tell which fighter has the deadlier weapons. Romanov and Latifi are both extremely skilled and dominant in the ring. This bout could end up being a battle.
If the older Latifi wins, it would boost his name as a heavyweight fighter. While a win over Latifi could greatly improve Romanov’s standing in the division.
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What do you think will happen in this bout? Which fighter would you be rooting for? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below?
Watch this story: The Best Knockouts of 2021 in the UFC featuring Kamaru Usman, Rose Namajunas and more