UFC Vegas 13 video: Alexander Romanov pulls off 10th first-round finish with forearm choke

Moldovan heavyweight Alexander Romanov shocked Marcos Rogerio de Lima in the first round with a little-used forearm choke at UFC Vegas 13.

A late-round takedown set up the finish, which was Romanov’s to come inside the first round and his second submission win after an arm-triangle of Roque Martinez in his octagon debut in September. The official time of stoppage was 4:48 of the opening frame when referee Herb Dean saw de Lima was unconscious and waved off the fight.

Check out video of the finish.

It was a quick turn of events after Romanov previewed his grappling acumen with a lightning-fast takedown of de Lima at the start of the bout. The Brazilian managed to right himself but could not land any significant punches to stave off another trip to the mat.

To celebrate his win, Romanov took his cornermen for a ride.

Still undefeated at 13-0, Romanov occupies a sweet spot in the UFC heavyweight division. Just 29, he could be on the fast track in a division where young and dominant talent is hard to find.

After a pair of wins, de Lima has bounced between wins and losses in his past nine fights.