Sometimes winning is not enough.

Roughly 48 hours after Alexander Romanov scored a unanimous decision victory over Rodrigo Nascimento at UFC Edmonton, the Moldovan heavyweight was removed from the promotion’s active roster. Romanov was not cut; his contract expired, but he left the event without a new deal.

Often, a fighter in Romanov’s position wouldn’t care about continuing his UFC career. However, the 33-year-old told reporters he hoped to secure a new contract.

Romanov’s situation is difficult. Although powerful and strong as a wrestler, Romanov is rarely in the best physical condition. His physique is often reminiscent of former UFC heavyweight Roy Nelson.

This was the case on Saturday against Nascimento.

Romanov and Nascimento seemed almost exhausted by the end of their clash. There was no doubt that Romanov deserved the victory. He controlled Nascimento with his wrestling in the first two rounds and outpointed him in the final frame.

However, this was one of those fights where neither man was impressive in victory or defeat. The heavyweight division has some exciting new blood, which could be a bad sign for Romanov and Nascimento. Rizvan Kuniev, Talisson Teixeira, Danylo Voievodkin and Mário Pinto are all heavyweights who have landed a contract for Season 8 of the Dana White Contender Series.

Teixeira has been particularly impressive and he made his main roster debut at UFC 310 against Lukasz Brzeski. With younger, more athletic heavyweights entering the UFC, it may be difficult for guys like Romanov to find favor with the powers that be. In Romanov’s career, he is 18-3. Romanov is 7-3 in the UFC, beating Nascimento and other mid-heavyweights. He failed almost every time he faced top heavyweights like Jailton Almeida or Alexander Volkov. It will be interesting to see if the UFC reunites with Romanov or if he ends up with the Professional Fighters League or back with Eagle FC, which is the promotion he was with before joining the UFC.

Other UFC News – Latest Rankings Drop November 5

After UFC Edmonton, we don’t expect to see many changes in the rankings. Erin Blanchfield beat Rose Namajunas, so she should retain her spot in the UFC women’s flyweight division. Nascimento entered the fight with Romanov, ranked No. 15.

He could slip and give way to a heavyweight ready to fight on the card before his opponent, Derrick Lewis, is forced out due to a health issue. The undefeated Jhonata Diniz could move up to 15th. The 33-year-old has been booked for a fight against Marcin Tybura at UFC 309 on November 16.

Tybura is currently ranked #9; if Diniz is ranked on Tuesday and then wins at UFC 309, he could quickly find himself in the Top 10 at heavyweight. Be on the lookout for ratings coverage on the morning of November 5.

Plus, it’s fight week for UFC Vegas 100. I’ll be taking a closer look at the historic card as we whet our appetite for the Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic headliner scheduled for UFC 309.