UFC 178 will be the setting of an important middleweight fight, as Strikeforce veteran Tim Kennedy takes on Cuban Olympic wrestler Yoel Romero. This was reported by Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Tuesday.
The important middleweight tilt will likely be on the main card, seeing as Romero and Kennedy are arguably top-10 fighters in the weight class. The event takes place September 27 in Las Vegas and is headlined by a light heavyweight title rematch between champion Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson.
Kennedy (18-4) is undefeated in the UFC at 3-0. The outspoken former Green Beret owns UFC decision victories over jiu-jitsu ace Roger Gracie and title challenger Michael Bisping. He also possesses a massive knockout victory over Rafael Natal.
Kennedy is known for his powerful wrestling and brute strength. His most recent outing saw him outhustle and outmuscle Bisping, utilizing wrestling and heavy top pressure to defeat the brash Brit.
Romero (8-1) is undefeated in the UFC at 4-0. All four of those wins also coincide with Romero’s drop to the middleweight division, as he competed as a light heavyweight in Strikeforce and other regional organizations.
Romero is also known for his powerful wrestling and brute strength, though it has been incredibly violent striking that has been cashing his checks lately.
Until his last fight against Brad Tavares, which went to a decision and saw him use his wrestling more, Romero had three straight vicious knockouts. After a flying knee that downed Clifford Starks, Romero destroyed Ronny Markes and Derek Brunson with his concrete hands.
This fight sees two very different styles collide. Both are wrestlers by trade, though Romero has wrestled at a very high level as an amateur. He was a silver medalist for Cuba in Olympic wrestling during the 2000 Sydney Games.
On the feet, one has to believe Romero has his biggest advantage. He has been downing guys left and right with his jaw-rattling strikes and consciousness-stealing power.
All things considered, this bout should be very interesting. It could also push the winner extremely close to a title shot.
Stay tuned with Bleacher Report as more information comes in on UFC 178.
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