5 current UFC stars who need a step up in competition in their next fight

#4. Jack Shore – UFC bantamweight contender

Welsh bantamweight Jack Shore is still unbeaten in the octagon at 5-0

Welsh bantamweight Jack Shore is a fascinating case in that he’s currently ranked No.14 in the UFC’s 135lbs division, and yet he hasn’t really fought anyone notable yet. So how did he ascend as highly as he has done thus far?

Looking at his record, it’s easy to see. Despite competing in one of the most stacked weight classes in MMA, ‘Tank’ is 16-0, and has already reeled off five straight victories in the UFC, with his most recent coming in London this past March.

A highly skilled and technical competitor, Shore is capable of outclassing his opponents in any facet of the game, be it on the ground or on the feet, but his penchant for going the distance in the octagon thus far – three of his wins there have come via decision – may be responsible for keeping him below the radar.

However, any fighter who can win five straight fights in the world’s biggest MMA promotion should be considered a very legitimate threat to the title in their weight class, and Shore is no exception.

Thankfully, the number before his name should now mean that he gets the step up he needs next time out. He is reportedly set to lock horns with No.12-ranked Ricky Simon later this year, and while Simon is a decent step up, a clash with someone like Rob Font or Frankie Edgar would make more sense for him down the line.

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#3. Alexander Romanov – UFC heavyweight contender

Heavyweight prospect Alexander Romanov needs a step up after smashing his early opponents

When Alexander Romanov debuted in the UFC back in September 2020, he looked like a classic case of a shorter, heavily muscled heavyweight who’d been able to bully his way to wins on the smaller circuit, and would likely struggle in the big leagues.

However, that hasn’t been the case for ‘King Kong’ at all. Instead, the Moldovan wrestler has used his brute power to run through five straight opponents in the octagon thus far, most recently dispatching Chase Sherman via submission after just two minutes.

It’s true that despite weighing around 260lbs, Romanov isn’t the biggest man on the heavyweight roster – he’s just 6’2” tall – but thus far at least, he’s made that low centre of gravity work for him by using it to set up his big takedowns.

What ‘King Kong’ now needs is a step up in competition. It’s probably arguable that Sherman – or Marcos Rogerio De Lima – is his biggest win thus far, and neither man would be considered a title contender.

The Moldovan is now 5-0 in the UFC and deserves a shot at stepping up against an elite fighter next time around, so hopefully the UFC can give him a bout with someone like Marcin Tybura or Derrick Lewis in the near future and allow him to try to prove his worth.