UFC on ESPN+ 40 video: Alexandr Romanov scores rare forearm choke finish

Alexandr Romanov made some history in his second octagon appearance on Saturday at UFC on ESPN+ 40.

Romanov (13-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC), an unbeaten heavyweight, put Marcos Rogerio de Lima (17-7-1 MMA, 6-5 UFC) out cold at the 4:48 mark of Round 1 in the heavyweight preliminary bout with a rare forearm choke finish.

After taking the fight to the ground in the opening seconds, Romanov overwhelmed de Lima on the mat. He did some good work from half guard with the strikes, then pressed the forearm into de Lima’s throat until the Brazilian went to sleep.

Check out the replay of the finish below (via Twitter):

A forearm choke for Moldova’s own!

Alexandr Romanov showcased high level grappling to stay undefeated!

[ #UFCVegas13 continues LIVE on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/VsnFFnrNiV

— UFC (@ufc) November 8, 2020

Nobody is safe from Romanov’s throws! #UFCVegas13 pic.twitter.com/4IAXOFd6zc

— UFC (@ufc) November 8, 2020

Following the successful performance, Romanov made it clear who he wants next. After a previously scratched matchup with Marcin Tybura, the Moldavian fighter expressed his desire to reschedule the bout.

“My work inside the cage is all the help of my team and my family,” Romanov said in his post-fight interview. “I want to say that I have a question in the cage in the UFC with Marcin Tybura. If it’s possible, I want to fight with this guy.”