The opening bout of UFC on ESPN 48 features a clash between two top fifteen heavyweight fighters in the UFC. Alexander Romanov and Blagoy Ivanov, number fourteen and number fifteen in the rankings, respectively face off in this highly anticipated matchup in the preliminary card of the fight night. Romanov, who previously enjoyed a flawless record of 16-0, has lost his last two fights after a successful start to his UFC career. On the other hand, Ivanov returned to competition last May after a two-year hiatus, securing a victory over Marcos Rogerio de Lima. However, he lost his last fight in February. UFC on ESPN 48 holds on July 1, 2023, at the Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
MMA: UFC Heavyweight
Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
Where to watch: ESPN/ESPN+
Date: 2.07.2023. 01.00
Alexander Romanov
For many years, Alexander Romanov could not be beaten. Now he seems unable to win. Tipped as the favorite against Marcin Tybura last August, the Moldavan dropped a controversial majority decision. Earlier this year, the 32-year-old was knocked out by Alexander Volkov at UFC Fight Night 221 putting him in the uncharted waters of two consecutive losses. Following his 2020 debut in the UFC, Romanov went on a winning run that saw him being touted as a future heavyweight champion. His two recent losses mean “King Kong” will need to dig deep into his fight brain to pull out a huge win and make a statement in the division.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 32
- Height: 6’ 2”
- Reach: 75”
- Record: 16-2
Blagoy Ivanov
The 36-year-old veteran needs to win this fight to have a chance of retaining his UFC contract. The Bulgarian heavyweight currently holds a record of 3-4 in the UFC. Before transitioning to mixed martial arts, Blagoy competed in Combat Sambo, Judo, and Kickboxing, representing Bulgaria at international championships. He famously defeated four-time World Combat Sambo Champion Alexander Emelianenko in the semi-finals of the 2008 World Sambo Championships. Ivanov has fought in several MMA promotions, including Bellator, WSOF, and Bulgarian regional promotions. The WSOF Heavyweight Champion and Bellator Season 10 Heavyweight Tournament runner-Up debuted in the UFC in 2008.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 36
- Height: 5’ 11”
- Reach: 73”
- Record: 19-5-1( NC)
Betting Odds
Alexander Romanov is the slight favorite to win at 1.72 odds on 1XBET. Blagoy Ivanov is the underdog at 2.136 on 1XBET. Romanov to finish his opponent by KO/TKO or submission is priced at 2.40 odds on Bet365. On Coinplay, over 2.5 rounds is 1.8 odds, with the under at 1.95. More options include over 1.5 rounds at 1.50 odds, with 2.50 being the price of the under at Bet 365.
