Yoel Romero MMA Profile Record, Stats, Biography, UFC Career & Fight History
Credit: UFC/Zuffa LLC
YOEL ROMERO
“Soldier of God”
CUBA • LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
W-L-D
17-7-0
(T)KO
14-1
SUB
0-0
BIOGRAPHY
COUNTRY
Cuba
WT CLASS
Light Heavyweight
HT / WT
6′ 0″, 205 lbs
BIRTHDATE
04/30/1977 (49)
STANCE
Southpaw
REACH
73.5″ (187cm)
TEAM / RESIDENCE
American Top Team • Coconut Creek, Florida
NICKNAME
“Soldier of God”
CAREER HONOURS & HISTORICAL RECORDS
Yoel Romero Record
WINS17
KO/TKO
14
SUB
0
DECISION
3
LOSSES7
KO/TKO
1
SUB
0
DECISION
6
DRAWS0
DR
0
NO CONTEST0
NC
0
Percentage Statistics
Calculated from 24 professional bouts (17-7-0).
RESULT
FIGHTER
EVENT
METHOD
DURATION/DATE
WIN
Alex Nicholson
United States
United States
Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 10
May / 01 / 2026
TKO
Rnd 1 (1:11)
May / 01 / 2026
ROUND1
TIME1:11
METHODTKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 10 Main Event • Romero vs. Nicholson
Main Event Feature
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Alex Nicholson
Fight Location Miami, Florida, United States (Unrivaled Arena)
Miami, Florida, United States (Unrivaled Arena)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup205 lbs vs 205 lbs
Alex Nicholson Record at Bout (Opponent)19-13-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout16-7-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$200,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Yoel Romero: -450 (Favorite)
vs
Alex Nicholson: +350 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Chris Mignocchi
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Romero uncorked a devastating left hand early in round one that fractured Nicholson’s jaw and sent him down, following up with punches on the ground that forced Nicholson to verbally submit at 1:11 of the opening round.
WIN
Thiago Santos
Brazil
Brazil
PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions
Feb / 24 / 2024
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00)
Feb / 24 / 2024
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 PFL vs. Bellator Super Fight • Romero vs. Santos
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Thiago Santos
Fight Location Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Kingdom Arena)
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Kingdom Arena)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup205 lbs vs 205.2 lbs
Thiago Santos Record at Bout (Opponent)22-11-0 (1 NC)
Yoel Romero Record at Bout15-7-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$350,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Yoel Romero: -120 (Favorite)
vs
Thiago Santos: +100 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: Bryan Miner
Judge 1: 30-27
Judge 2: 30-27
Judge 3: 29-28
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Romero relied on patient outside kicks and timely counter-strikes over fifteen minutes, outlanding former UFC title challenger Santos on the feet and pushing the pace in round three to sweep the unanimous decision.
LOSS
Vadim Nemkov
Russia
Russia
Bellator 297: Nemkov vs. Romero
Jun / 16 / 2023
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 5 (5:00)
Jun / 16 / 2023
ROUND5
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship • Nemkov vs. Romero
World Title Challenger
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Vadim Nemkov
Fight Location Chicago, Illinois, United States (Wintrust Arena)
Chicago, Illinois, United States (Wintrust Arena)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup205 lbs vs 203.8 lbs
Vadim Nemkov Record at Bout (Opponent)16-2-0 (1 NC)
Yoel Romero Record at Bout15-6-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$300,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Vadim Nemkov: -550 (Favorite)
vs
Yoel Romero: +400 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: Jason Herzog
Judge 1: 49-46
Judge 2: 49-46
Judge 3: 49-46
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Nemkov controlled the striking output through four frames behind crisp volume combinations and low kicks. Romero mounted a spirited fifth-round rally, securing top position and raining ground-and-pound, but Nemkov walked away with a 49-46 unanimous decision.
WIN
Melvin Manhoef
Netherlands
Netherlands
Bellator 285: Henderson vs. Queally
Sep / 23 / 2022
KO/TKO
Rnd 3 (3:34)
Sep / 23 / 2022
ROUND3
TIME3:34
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Bellator 285 Co-Main Event • Romero vs. Manhoef
Co-Main Event
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Melvin Manhoef
Fight Location Dublin, Ireland (3Arena)
Dublin, Ireland (3Arena)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup205.9 lbs vs 204.9 lbs
Melvin Manhoef Record at Bout (Opponent)32-15-1 (2 NC)
Yoel Romero Record at Bout14-6-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$250,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Yoel Romero: -900 (Favorite)
vs
Melvin Manhoef: +600 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Kerry Hatley
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Romero took Manhoef down in the third round and opened up from full guard, delivering a sequence of vicious elbows that knocked Manhoef out cold at 3:34.
WIN
Alex Polizzi
United States
United States
Bellator 280: Bader vs. Kongo 2
May / 06 / 2022
KO/TKO
Rnd 3 (4:59)
May / 06 / 2022
ROUND3
TIME4:59
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Bellator 280 Co-Main Event • Romero vs. Polizzi
Co-Main Event
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Alex Polizzi
Fight Location Paris, France (AccorHotels Arena)
Paris, France (AccorHotels Arena)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup204.6 lbs vs 202.8 lbs
Alex Polizzi Record at Bout (Opponent)10-1-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout13-6-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$250,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Yoel Romero: -700 (Favorite)
vs
Alex Polizzi: +500 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Mike Beltran
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Romero battered Polizzi with thunderous punches across three frames, scoring multiple knockdowns before finishing the contest with a flush right hand at 4:59 of round three.
LOSS
Phil Davis
United States
United States
Bellator 266: Davis vs. Romero
Sep / 18 / 2021
Decision – Split
Rnd 3 (5:00)
Sep / 18 / 2021
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Split
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Bellator 266 Main Event • Davis vs. Romero
Main Event Feature
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Phil Davis
Fight Location San Jose, California, United States (SAP Center)
San Jose, California, United States (SAP Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup205.4 lbs vs 206 lbs
Phil Davis Record at Bout (Opponent)22-6-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout13-5-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$250,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Phil Davis: -130 (Favorite)
vs
Yoel Romero: +110 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: Mike Beltran
Judge 1: 28-29
Judge 2: 28-29
Judge 3: 29-28
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In his promotional debut, Romero landed heavy counters in the opening rounds, but Davis shifted to his NCAA Division I wrestling in rounds two and three, securing multiple takedowns to win a split decision.
LOSS
Israel Adesanya
Nigeria
Nigeria
UFC 248: Adesanya vs. Romero
Mar / 07 / 2020
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 5 (5:00)
Mar / 07 / 2020
ROUND5
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
UFC Middleweight Championship • Adesanya vs. Romero
Challenged for Undisputed Title
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Israel Adesanya
Fight Location Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (T-Mobile Arena)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (T-Mobile Arena)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup185 lbs vs 184.5 lbs
Israel Adesanya Record at Bout (Opponent)18-0-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout13-4-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$380,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Israel Adesanya: -275 (Favorite)
vs
Yoel Romero: +235 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: Dan Miragliotta
Sal D’Amato: 47-48
Chris Lee: 47-48
Derek Cleary: 46-49
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Tactical, tentative encounter where Romero stood completely stationary in round one looking for counter explosions; Adesanya pecked from distance with low leg kicks across 25 minutes to retain the undisputed title on points.
LOSS
Paulo Costa
Brazil
Brazil
UFC 241: Cormier vs. Miocic 2
Aug / 17 / 2019
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00)
Aug / 17 / 2019
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHOD
Decision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC 241 Middleweight Clash • Romero vs. Costa
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Paulo Costa
Fight Location Anaheim, California, United States (Honda Center)
Anaheim, California, United States (Honda Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup184.5 lbs vs 186 lbs
Paulo Costa Record at Bout (Opponent)12-0-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout13-3-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$230,000 USD (+$50k Bonus)
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Paulo Costa: -150 (Favorite)
vs
Yoel Romero: +130 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: Jason Herzog
Michael Bell: 28-29
Dave Hagen: 28-29
Glenn Trowbridge: 28-29
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
An all-time slugfest. Both men traded knockdowns in the opening round; Costa pressed the action with heavy body kicks while Romero countered with sharp combinations in the third, winning Fight of the Night honors ($50k).
LOSS
Robert Whittaker
Australia
Australia
UFC 225: Whittaker vs. Romero 2
Jun / 09 / 2018
Decision – Split
Rnd 5 (5:00)
Jun / 09 / 2018
ROUND5
TIME5:00
METHOD
Decision – Split
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
UFC Middleweight Title Rematch • Whittaker vs. Romero 2
Championship Rematch
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Robert Whittaker
Fight Location Chicago, Illinois, United States (United Center)
Chicago, Illinois, United States (United Center)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup185.2 lbs (Missed Weight) vs 185 lbs
Robert Whittaker Record at Bout (Opponent)19-4-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout13-2-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$330,000 USD (+$50k Bonus)
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Robert Whittaker: -225 (Favorite)
vs
Yoel Romero: +185 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: Dan Miragliotta
Sal D’Amato: 47-48
Chris Lee: 47-48
Brian Puccillo: 48-47
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Widely considered one of the greatest title fights in MMA history. Romero dropped Whittaker heavily in round three and round five, while Whittaker broke his right hand in round one and fought through adversity to retain via a razor-thin split decision.
WIN
Luke Rockhold
United States
United States
UFC 221: Romero vs. Rockhold
Feb / 10 / 2018
KO/TKO
Rnd 3 (1:48)
Feb / 10 / 2018
ROUND3
TIME1:48
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
Interim UFC Middleweight Championship • Romero vs. Rockhold
Interim Title Bout
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Luke Rockhold
Fight Location Perth, Australia (Perth Arena)
Perth, Australia (Perth Arena)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup187.7 lbs (Missed Weight) vs 185 lbs
Luke Rockhold Record at Bout (Opponent)16-3-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout12-2-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$245,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Luke Rockhold: -150 (Favorite)
vs
Yoel Romero: +130 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Marc Goddard
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Romero missed weight and became ineligible to win the interim belt, but delivered a savage third-round overhand left that flattened former champion Rockhold, followed by a finishing uppercut against the cage.
LOSS
Robert Whittaker
Australia
Australia
UFC 213: Romero vs. Whittaker
Jul / 08 / 2017
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 5 (5:00)
Jul / 08 / 2017
ROUND5
TIME5:00
METHOD
Decision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
Interim UFC Middleweight Championship • Romero vs. Whittaker
Interim Title Bout
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Robert Whittaker
Fight Location Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (T-Mobile Arena)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (T-Mobile Arena)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup185 lbs vs 184.5 lbs
Robert Whittaker Record at Bout (Opponent)18-4-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout12-1-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$400,000 USD (+$50k Bonus)
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Yoel Romero: -115 (Favorite)
vs
Robert Whittaker: -105 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: John McCarthy
Sal D’Amato: 47-48
Derek Cleary: 47-48
Glenn Trowbridge: 47-48
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Romero seized the first two rounds with takedowns and side kicks, injuring Whittaker’s knee. Whittaker staged a brilliant comeback over the final three rounds with jab pressure and front kicks to win the interim belt in a Fight of the Night battle ($50k).
WIN
Chris Weidman
United States
United States
UFC 205: Alvarez vs. McGregor
Nov / 12 / 2016
KO/TKO
Rnd 3 (0:24)
Nov / 12 / 2016
ROUND3
TIME0:24
METHOD
KO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Historic MSG Main Card • Romero vs. Weidman
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Chris Weidman
Fight Location New York City, New York, United States (Madison Square Garden)
New York City, New York, United States (Madison Square Garden)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup185.6 lbs vs 185.8 lbs
Chris Weidman Record at Bout (Opponent)13-1-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout11-1-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$180,000 USD (+$50k Bonus)
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Chris Weidman: -175 (Favorite)
vs
Yoel Romero: +155 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Mario Yamasaki
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
After two razor-close rounds, Romero timed an iconic jumping switch-knee directly into Weidman’s shooting head, opening a massive cut and securing a highlight-reel knockout at 0:24 of round three alongside a $50k Performance bonus.
WIN
Jacare Souza
Brazil
Brazil
UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor
Dec / 12 / 2015
Decision – Split
Rnd 3 (5:00)
Dec / 12 / 2015
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Split
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC 194 Title Eliminator • Romero vs. Souza
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Ronaldo Souza
Fight Location Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (MGM Grand Garden Arena)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (MGM Grand Garden Arena)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup185 lbs vs 186 lbs
Ronaldo Souza Record at Bout (Opponent)22-3-0 (1 NC)
Yoel Romero Record at Bout10-1-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$150,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Ronaldo Souza: -155 (Favorite)
vs
Yoel Romero: +135 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: Marc Goddard
Lester Griffin: 29-27
Glenn Trowbridge: 29-28
Tony Weeks: 28-29
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Romero nearly finished the bout in round one with a spinning backfist knockdown and savage ground strikes. Souza rallied in round three, but Romero secured the split decision nod.
WIN
Lyoto Machida
Brazil
Brazil
UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Romero
Jun / 27 / 2015
KO/TKO
Rnd 3 (1:38)
Jun / 27 / 2015
ROUND3
TIME1:38
METHOD
KO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC Fight Night 70 Main Event • Romero vs. Machida
Main Event Feature
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Lyoto Machida
Fight Location Hollywood, Florida, United States (Seminole Hard Rock)
Hollywood, Florida, United States (Seminole Hard Rock)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup186 lbs vs 186 lbs
Lyoto Machida Record at Bout (Opponent)22-6-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout9-1-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$130,000 USD (+$50k Bonus)
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Yoel Romero: -175 (Favorite)
vs
Lyoto Machida: +155 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Romero took down former champion Machida early in round three and unloaded devastating ground elbows from top half-guard, leaving Machida unconscious at 1:38 to earn a Performance of the Night bonus ($50k).
WIN
Tim Kennedy
United States
United States
UFC 178: Johnson vs. Cariaso
Sep / 27 / 2014
KO/TKO
Rnd 3 (0:58)
Sep / 27 / 2014
ROUND3
TIME0:58
METHOD
KO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC 178 Main Card Feature • Romero vs. Kennedy
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Tim Kennedy
Fight Location Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (MGM Grand Garden Arena)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (MGM Grand Garden Arena)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup185 lbs vs 185 lbs
Tim Kennedy Record at Bout (Opponent)18-4-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout8-1-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$80,000 USD (+$50k Bonus)
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Yoel Romero: -115 (Favorite)
vs
Tim Kennedy: -105 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Kennedy hurt Romero late in round two. Following the famous “stoolgate” delay between rounds, Romero exploded in round three, staggering Kennedy with a huge right hook and finishing with unanswered ground strikes to win Fight of the Night ($50k).
WIN
Brad Tavares
United States
United States
UFC on Fox: Werdum vs. Browne
Apr / 19 / 2014
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00)
Apr / 19 / 2014
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC on FOX 11 Main Card • Romero vs. Tavares
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Brad Tavares
Fight Location Orlando, Florida, United States (Amway Center)
Orlando, Florida, United States (Amway Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup185.5 lbs vs 185 lbs
Brad Tavares Record at Bout (Opponent)12-1-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout7-1-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$50,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Yoel Romero: -265 (Favorite)
vs
Brad Tavares: +225 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: Dan Miragliotta
Judge 1: 30-27
Judge 2: 30-27
Judge 3: 30-27
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Romero showed off his world-class Olympic wrestling skills, securing five explosive takedowns and controlling Tavares on the mat to sweep all three rounds across all judges’ scorecards.
WIN
Derek Brunson
United States
United States
UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Philippou
Jan / 15 / 2014
KO/TKO
Rnd 3 (3:23)
Jan / 15 / 2014
ROUND3
TIME3:23
METHOD
KO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC Fight Night 35 Feature • Romero vs. Brunson
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Derek Brunson
Fight Location Duluth, Georgia, United States (Arena at Gwinnett Center)
Duluth, Georgia, United States (Arena at Gwinnett Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup185 lbs vs 186 lbs
Derek Brunson Record at Bout (Opponent)11-2-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout6-1-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$48,000 USD (+$50k Bonus)
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Yoel Romero: -280 (Favorite)
vs
Derek Brunson: +240 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Blake Grice
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Brunson controlled the first two rounds with takedowns. Facing a decision loss, Romero rallied furiously in the third, dropping Brunson and finishing him with punishing elbows to the ribs to capture a $50k Fight of the Night bonus.
WIN
Ronny Markes
Brazil
Brazil
UFC Fight Night: Fight for the Troops 3
Nov / 06 / 2013
KO/TKO
Rnd 3 (1:39)
Nov / 06 / 2013
ROUND3
TIME1:39
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC Fight for the Troops 3 • Romero vs. Markes
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Ronny Markes
Fight Location Fort Campbell, Kentucky, United States (Fort Campbell)
Fort Campbell, Kentucky, United States (Fort Campbell)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup185 lbs vs 186 lbs
Ronny Markes Record at Bout (Opponent)14-1-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout5-1-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$28,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Yoel Romero: -150 (Favorite)
vs
Ronny Markes: +130 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Mario Yamasaki
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Romero broke down Markes with kicks and crisp counter-striking before flooring him with a brutal left hook and following up with ground strikes for the third-round stoppage at 1:39.
WIN
Clifford Starks
United States
United States
UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez
Apr / 20 / 2013
KO/TKO
Rnd 1 (1:32)
Apr / 20 / 2013
ROUND1
TIME1:32
METHOD
KO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Octagon Debut • Romero vs. Starks
UFC Debut
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Clifford Starks
Fight Location San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)
San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup185 lbs vs 185.5 lbs
Clifford Starks Record at Bout (Opponent)8-1-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout4-1-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$20,000 USD (+$50k Bonus)
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Yoel Romero: -275 (Favorite)
vs
Clifford Starks: +235 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Mike Beltran
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Electrifying UFC debut. Romero crushed Starks with a flying knee out of nowhere and sealed the stoppage with follow-up punches in just 92 seconds, earning Knockout of the Night honors ($50k).
LOSS
Rafael Cavalcante
Brazil
Brazil
Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov
Sep / 10 / 2011
KO/TKO
Rnd 2 (4:51)
Sep / 10 / 2011
ROUND2
TIME4:51
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Bout • Romero vs. Feijão
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Rafael Cavalcante
Fight Location Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (U.S. Bank Arena)
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (U.S. Bank Arena)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup205 lbs vs 205 lbs
Rafael Cavalcante Record at Bout (Opponent)10-3-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout4-0-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$15,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Rafael Cavalcante: -170 (Favorite)
vs
Yoel Romero: +150 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Dan Miragliotta
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Romero pressed the pace with spinning attacks early, but former Strikeforce champion “Feijão” Cavalcante landed a spinning backfist followed by an overhand right that dropped Romero at 4:51 of round two.
WIN
Laszlo Eck
Hungary
Hungary
FOTN: Fight of the Night 2011
May / 27 / 2011
KO
Rnd 1 (0:33)
May / 27 / 2011
ROUND1
TIME0:33
METHODKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Fight of the Night 2011 • Romero vs. Eck
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Laszlo Eck
Fight Location Gols, Austria (Volksfestgelände)
Gols, Austria (Volksfestgelände)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup205 lbs vs 205 lbs
Laszlo Eck Record at Bout (Opponent)1-0-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout3-0-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$5,000 USD
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Romero overwhelmed Eck instantly upon engagement, landing a concussive single punch that ended the contest in just 33 seconds.
WIN
Nikita Petrovs
Latvia
Latvia
SFC 3: MMA Fight Night
Mar / 05 / 2011
TKO (Retirement)
Rnd 1 (2:58)
Mar / 05 / 2011
ROUND1
TIME2:58
METHODTKO (Retirement)
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 SFC 3 • Romero vs. Petrovs
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Nikita Petrovs
Fight Location Giessen, Germany (Hessenhallen)
Giessen, Germany (Hessenhallen)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup205 lbs vs 205 lbs
Nikita Petrovs Record at Bout (Opponent)0-1-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout2-0-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$4,000 USD
Officials
Ref: Kurt Braun
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Romero asserted immediate physical dominance with heavy ground strikes that forced Petrovs’ corner to throw in the towel due to retirement at 2:58 of the opening frame.
WIN
Michal Fijalka
Poland
Poland
IFF: The Eternal Struggle
Oct / 08 / 2010
TKO (Retirement)
Rnd 3 (4:05)
Oct / 08 / 2010
ROUND3
TIME4:05
METHODTKO (Retirement)
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
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🥊 IFF 1 • Romero vs. Fijalka
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Michal Fijalka
Fight Location Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland (Centrum Sportu i Rekreacji)
Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland (Centrum Sportu i Rekreacji)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup205 lbs vs 205 lbs
Michal Fijalka Record at Bout (Opponent)6-1-0
Yoel Romero Record at Bout1-0-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$3,500 USD
Officials
Ref: Mariusz Słotta
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Romero out-grappled and wore down the Polish prospect with heavy wrestling pressure and relentless strikes, resulting in a corner retirement stoppage in round three.
WIN
Sascha Weinpolter
Austria
Austria
FOTN: Fight of the Night 2009
Dec / 20 / 2009
TKO
Rnd 1 (0:48)
Dec / 20 / 2009
ROUND1
TIME0:48
METHODTKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
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🥊 Professional MMA Debut • Romero vs. Weinpolter
Pro Debut
Fighter MatchupYoel Romero vs Sascha Weinpolter
Fight Location Gols, Austria (Volksfestgelände)
Gols, Austria (Volksfestgelände)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup205 lbs vs 205 lbs
Sascha Weinpolter Record at Bout (Opponent)0-0-0 (Debut)
Yoel Romero Record at Bout0-0-0 (Debut)
Est. Fighter Purse~$2,500 USD
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Olympic silver medalist freestyle wrestler Yoel Romero transitioned to professional MMA, securing an immediate takedown and finishing Weinpolter with unanswered ground strikes in 48 seconds.
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