Marcin Tybura vs. Alexander Romanov is scheduled for 3 rounds in the heavyweight division as a featured attraction on tonight's UFC 278 undercard from the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City. The emerging Romanov is looking to legitimize himself as a contender against the well-rounded Tybura — who has a reputation of beating all but the truly elite.
Romanov is undefeated and UFC odds have him heavily favored at heavily favored to win at -360. Tybura hopes to avoid another loss, and he’ll have to do so as a considerable underdog at +295.
Check out our full fight predictions for Tybura vs. Romanov on August 20.
Tybura vs Romanov fight odds
Live odds courtesy of the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
Tybura vs Romanov method of victory odds
| Method of Victory | Marcin Tybura | Alexander Romanov |
|---|---|---|
| To win by KO/TKO | +950 | +155 |
| To win by Points | +550 | +260 |
| To win by Submission | +2,600 | +400 |
| Draw | +5,000 | +5,000 |
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook on August 20, 2022.
Tybura vs Romanov picks
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Tybura vs Romanov betting preview
Alexander Romanov is taking a step up in class against a proven gatekeeper that does a lot of things well, but nothing overly spectacular. As experienced as Tybura is, he has taken a lot of damage over his last five fights culminating in a lopsided loss to Alexander Volkov at UFC 267.
The undefeated Romanov faces an experience gap as well as slight physical disadvantages in height and reach, but he’s a solid finisher who is equally dangerous in the stand up as he is on the ground.
The Moldovian southpaw came into the UFC with tremendous grappling skills, accentuated by his 6.46 takedowns per fight, scoring on 69% of them and attempting 1.6 submissions along the way. In all, Romanov has 10 submission finishes and five knockouts with his average fight length clocking in at seven minutes and twenty-six seconds.
Marcin Tybura saw his five-fight win streak snapped by Volkov, but remains on the bubble of the division’s Top 10. With an 82% takedown defense and eight knockouts, the former M-1 Global champion needs to keep the fight standing to try and crack the formidable defense of his green foe. Should they take to the ground, Tybura can fend for himself and has 6 submission wins, though hasn’t won by submission since 2014.
Momentum favors Romanov, who has progressed nicely and could be a handful should he continue to expand his striking. Tybura has long struggled to break into the top of the heavyweight ranks, often falling apart against heavy-handed strikers and outpaced by refined tacticians. A key factor to consider here is that Tybura is taking a lot of damage, being outlanded 237-207 in his last five fights.
Bettors are high on Romanov’s potential, but this will be the biggest test of his career. For Tybura, this is his last chance to enter the ranks of the elite.
Tybura vs Romanov tale of the tape
| Marcin Tybura | Alexander Romanov | |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | Age | 31 |
| 6-foot-3 | Height | 6-foot-2 |
| 249 lbs | Weight | 260 lbs |
| 78 inches | Reach | 75 inches |
| 22-7 (9 KOs) | Record | 16-0 (6 KOs) |
Tybura vs Romanov UFC prediction and best bet
Our prediction is compiled from the analysis of the fighters and is an indication of who we are leaning with to win this bout.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this fight or where the most value lies, and is where we would put some of our bankroll behind.
Prediction: Alexander Romanov
The Polish Power phenomenon somehow passed Tybura up, and it’s a shame because he’ll be needing it. While he hasn’t been taken down in a very long time, Tybura is getting easier to hit and has four stoppage losses in his career. It’s hard to say where Tybura is physically, but from a competitive standpoint, he’s climbed as high as he’s going to go.
Romanov is a strong wrestler in the mold of Curtis Blaydes, and he’ll have to bully his seasoned opponent around the cage while trying to find a way to take him down. There’s no doubt that Tybura will have his chances to test his chin, but if he can’t keep Romanov at bay, he’s going to get ragdolled and have the fight sapped out of him from multiple trips to the canvas
“King Kong” should pass the test here and remain undefeated, much to the dismay of his battle-hardened opponent.
Prediction: Romanov moneyline (-360 at DraftKings)
Best bet: Pick
Romanov has shown strong finishing skills against meandering opposition, and it would be a statement if he’s able to finish Tybura. Unless he suddenly has the blunt force power like those who have stopped Tybura before, or he can do the unthinkable and be the first person to submit him, the value here is betting on the fight going the distance.
The safe bet is picking the fight to go over 1.5 rounds at -160, but because I feel Romanov will ace this test, the best bet is picking him to win by decision at +240.
Pick: Romanov to win by decision (+240 at DraftKings)
