The match with Romanov is interesting, as both fighters are talented wrestlers and jiu jitsu players. At 16-0, Romanov steadily climbed the leaderboard with impressive finishes over Roque Martinez, Marcos Rogerio de Lima, Jared Vanderaa and Chase Sherman. He currently sits 13th in the world, just two places below Tybura.
UFC 278 INTEGRATED: Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4
Although Tybura was the highest ranked fighter in the bout, ranking was never a factor in Tybura’s decision making. What’s important to him is the opportunity to pull Romanov out of the undefeated ranks and continue to take steps to become the best fighter he can be.
“Rankings can be crazy, and they really don’t say much. If you start focusing on rankings, that means you don’t belong here. There may be fighters who say “no” to lower ranked opponents, but that’s not me. I am here to fight,” Tybura said. “16-0 in MMA is a big thing so for sure he’s proven he belongs here. Anytime I’m given a fight I never say no. Every times they offer, I agree.
