The MMA world was thrown a curveball yesterday when it was revealed that Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) parted ways with perennial middleweight contender Yoel Romero.
Romero, 43, had lost four out of his last five trips to the Octagon, but seemed to be in the thick of things at 185 pounds. Still, despite having three fights lefts on his UFC contract, “Soldier of God” was given his walking papers.
This was a surprise to many as Romero seemed ready to book his next trip to the Octagon after coming up short against UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 248 this past March. The multiple-time UFC title challenger will now be an unrestricted free agent heading into 2021 and can sign with any promotion he wants.
As you may have imagined, the MMA community had a lot to say about Romero’s release. Check out all of the feedback below:
My clients time in the @ufc has come to an end. Want to personally thank @Mickmaynard2 @danawhite and Hunter Campbell for everything. https://t.co/upmhfQUzvv
— malki kawa (@malkikawa) December 5, 2020
Let’s do it @YoelRomeroMMA vs @jakepaul #supernecessary https://t.co/vlF1lnZl4O
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) December 4, 2020
Yoel vs Tyson https://t.co/aaSMWfjVfu
— Funky (@Benaskren) December 5, 2020
No wonder they wouldn’t give us @YoelRomeroMMA when we asked to fight him.
Anyhow that opens up a spot in the rankings ehh? pic.twitter.com/4VJ6Ytjti0— Kevin Holland (@Trailblaze2top) December 5, 2020
Soldier of God, we salute you. Thank you for the excellence and all the memories. @YoelRomeroMMA
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) December 5, 2020
Excited to see what comes next for you @YoelRomeroMMA!
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) December 5, 2020
Dana: I don’t do the old guy stuff. pic.twitter.com/nZUMEyynrx
— Jed I. Goodman (@jedigoodman) December 5, 2020
During his UFC run, @YoelRomeroMMA provided unforgettable moments and incredible entertainment. pic.twitter.com/s8A04Ft04o
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 5, 2020
Gonna miss having @YoelRomeroMMA in the #UFC. His fights were always entertaining, and his exchanges with @bisping were legendary… Best of luck Soldier Of God!
— Karyn Bryant (@KarynBryant) December 5, 2020
No forget Jesus !
— Baldy Ed (@brianboom135) December 5, 2020