Yoel Romero punishes Thiago Santos’ lead leg en route to unanimous decision – PFL vs. Bellator Highlights

Yoel RomeroYoel Romero got back into the win column on Saturday night inside the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia…

Yoel Romero

Yoel Romero got back into the win column on Saturday night inside the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at PFL vs. Bellator: Champs

Representing Bellator MMA, the former UFC title challenger delivered a methodical performance against the always-dangerous Thiago Santos. Through three rounds of action, the ‘Soldier of God’ punished Santos’ lead leg which stifled Santos’ offense through most of the 15-minute affair.

Official Result: Yoel Romero def. Thiago Santos via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Romero moved to 16-7 in his mixed martial arts career and earned his first win since a September 2022 meeting with Melvin Manhoef. Santos fell to 22-12 and has now lost five of his last six fights.

Check Out Highlights From Yoel Romero vs. Thiago Santos at PFL vs. Bellator:

Ex-UFC referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy answers for controversial call made more than a decade ago

UFCFormer UFC middleweight contender Tim Kennedy woke up on Wednesday and decided to break out a can of 10-year-old beef. Kennedy, who was once a prominent name in the division after making a name for himself under the Strikeforce banner is still a little salty about a decade-old fight between himself and Yoel Romero. After […]

UFC

Former UFC middleweight contender Tim Kennedy woke up on Wednesday and decided to break out a can of 10-year-old beef.

Kennedy, who was once a prominent name in the division after making a name for himself under the Strikeforce banner is still a little salty about a decade-old fight between himself and Yoel Romero.

After an impressive four-year stint in Strikeforce, Kennedy made his UFC debut in 2013 and promptly rattled off three-straight wins over Roger Gracie, Rafael Natal, and Michael Bisping. That streak led him to a big divisional matchup with Romero at UFC 178. Kennedy clearly lost the opening round, but he stormed back in the second, lighting up the ‘Soldier of God’ with a flurry of strikes.

In between the second and third rounds, there was some confusion that ultimately led to Romero being allowed to sit on his stool for longer than the traditional 60 seconds of allotted time between each round. With more time to recover, Romero came surging back in the third and finished Kennedy less than a minute into the final round.

Tim Kennedy was left fuming and apparently, a decade later, he’s still not over it.

“Robbery anniversary and the end of my fight career,” Kennedy wrote on X. “Dear Nevada Athletic Commission. NAC 467.728 If a combatant fails or refuses to resume competing when the bell sounds … the referee shall award a decision of TKO.”

Former UFC Ref John McCarthy Offers Explanation to Tim Kennedy

Kennedy’s comments didn’t go unnoticed by legendary UFC referee, and the man who just happened to be overseeing Kennedy’s fight with Romero that night, ‘Big’ John McCarthy.

Responding to Kennedy’s comments on social media, McCarthy offered a lengthy explanation for what happened that evening and why Romero was allowed to continue after taking longer than the allowed time.

“Tim you are an amazing person and I truly wish the very best life has to offer both you and your family,” McCarthy wrote. “Perhaps I could of done something differently during your fight. I wish I had the forethought to envision this exact situation before it ever occurred and that way I may have handled it differently.

“But you are not stating facts about what occurred. Yoel was told to stay seated by the NSAC Inspector. The truth is the Cutman hired and paid for by the UFC did not re-enter the cage when summoned to do so and that is what held up the start of the 3rd round. It is not Yoel’s fault that this occurred and the Cutman is not part of Yoel’s official corner. Language barriers did not help as well.

It’s egregious to penalize a person when they are not at fault and that is why there were no point deductions nor DQ. Was it completely fair to you? No I don’t believe it was, but there are times when there is no perfect solution in the moment. I hope the very best for you in all that you do.”

Most UFC fans were quick to suggest that Yoel Romero had intentionally milked the clock to allow himself more time to recover, but with McCarthy offering up his explanation, do you see it differently now?

Vadim Nemkov outlasts Yoel Romero in five-round war, earns unanimous decision – Bellator 297 Highlights

Yoel RomeroFormer UFC middleweight title contender Yoel Romero stepped into the main event spotlight at Bellator 297 on Friday night, challenging Vadim Nemkov for the Bellator light heavyweight championship. Romero earned his opportunity at Bellator gold after scoring back-to-back third-round knockouts against Alex Polizzi and Melvin Manhoef last year. Standing in his way of becoming a […]

Yoel Romero

Former UFC middleweight title contender Yoel Romero stepped into the main event spotlight at Bellator 297 on Friday night, challenging Vadim Nemkov for the Bellator light heavyweight championship.

Romero earned his opportunity at Bellator gold after scoring back-to-back third-round knockouts against Alex Polizzi and Melvin Manhoef last year. Standing in his way of becoming a champion for the first time in his career is Vadim Nemkov, a 16-2 fighter who has never been dated under the Bellator banner. In fact, Nemkov has not experienced a loss in more than seven years. The protege of heavyweight legend Fedor Emelianenko looked to keep that streak alive in the Second City.

Vadim Nemkov appeared to be in control throughout the first three rounds, but Romero showed signs of life near the halfway point of the fight, landing some solid strikes that appeared to have the defending champ in danger. Unfortunately, Romero’s moments were few and far between, as Nemkov’s speed dominated the contest. Romero was able to score a takedown in the final minute of the matchup but ultimately failed to do anything with it, leaving the contest in the hands of the judges.

Official Result: Vadim Nemkov def. Yoel Romero via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)

Check Out Highlights From Vadim Nemkov vs. Yoel Romero at Bellator 297 Below:

Yoel Romero rules out retirement talk ahead of Bellator 297 title fight: ‘I plan on fighting until I’m 52’

Yoel Romero rules out retirement talk ahead of Bellator 297 I plan to fight until I'm 52Ahead of his incoming Bellator MMA light heavyweight title fight this weekend in the main event of Bellator 297, former UFC middleweight title challenger, Yoel Romero has shut down talk of a potential retirement from mixed martial arts competition, insisting that he will compete to fight into his 50’s. Romero, 46, who returns to action […]

Yoel Romero rules out retirement talk ahead of Bellator 297 I plan to fight until I'm 52

Ahead of his incoming Bellator MMA light heavyweight title fight this weekend in the main event of Bellator 297, former UFC middleweight title challenger, Yoel Romero has shut down talk of a potential retirement from mixed martial arts competition, insisting that he will compete to fight into his 50’s.

Romero, 46, who returns to action this weekend in Chicago, Illinois, is slated to headline Bellator 297 in an undisputed light heavyweight title fight against Russian champion, Vadim Nemkov.

Taking headlining status, Romero’s first title shot under the Scott Coker-led banner, takes precedence over a bantamweight championship tilt between Sergio Pettis, and Patricio Pitbull – as the latter attempts to become a stunning three-weight world champion under the scrutiny of Bellator MMA.

In the midst of a two-fight winning run, Cuban fan-favorite, Yoel Romero most recently recorded a third round ground strikes KO win over fellow knockout artist, Melvin Manhoef in Dublin, Ireland in September of last year, following a buzzer-beating TKO win over Alex Polizzi in a co-main event clash in Paris earlier that year.

Yoel Romero rules out impending retirement from MMA ahead of Bellator 297

A veteran freestyle wrestler, Romero, an Olympic silver medalist to boot – who has been touted to consider an impending retirement from professional mixed martial arts competition, has ruled out the potential of a career curtain close this weekend – and for the foreseeable future.

“No chance, no chance,” Yoel Romero said in Spanish when discussing a potential retirement during a recent interview with MMA Junkie. “No chance, no chance at all. That doesn’t event go through my mind. I’ve got five more years in this sport. That’s what I think of. I plan on fighting until I’m 52. That’s my focus.” 

Boasting a 15-6 professional record, over the course of his professional career, Romero holds notable triumphs over the likes of Derek Brunson, Brad Tavares, Tim Kennedy, Lyoto Machida, Jacare Souza, Chris Weidman, Luke Rockhold, and the aforenoted, Manhoef. 

Video – Yoel Romero misses Bellator 297 press conference due to fear of heights, faces off through video link

Yoel Romero misses Bellator 297 press conference fear of heights faces off through video linkAhead of his undisputed light heavyweight title challenge against Russian champion, Vadim Nemkov this weekend atop a Bellator 297 card in Chicago, Illinois – division title chaser, Yoel Romero missed this week’s press conference – appearing via video-link from his hotel room bed, to his revealed fear of heights.  Romero, a fan-favorite light heavyweight contender, […]

Yoel Romero misses Bellator 297 press conference fear of heights faces off through video link

Ahead of his undisputed light heavyweight title challenge against Russian champion, Vadim Nemkov this weekend atop a Bellator 297 card in Chicago, Illinois – division title chaser, Yoel Romero missed this week’s press conference – appearing via video-link from his hotel room bed, to his revealed fear of heights. 

Romero, a fan-favorite light heavyweight contender, is slated to headline UFC 297 this weekend in Chicago taking on Nemkov – ahead of an undisputed bantamweight title fight clash with current gold holder, Sergio Pettis, and three-division title hopeful, Patricio Pitbull. 

In the midst of a two-fight winning run ahead of his championship challenge against Nemkov, Romero got off the mark under the Bellator MMA banner against Alex Polizzi at Bellator Paris with a spectacular third round TKO win.

Returning in the co-main event of Bellator Dublin in September of last year at the 3Arena, Romero turned in another dominant win, eventually finishing veteran Dutch kickboxer, Melvin Manhoef with a slew of ground strikes in the capital.

 Yoel Romero challenges for Bellator gold this weekend

Appearing via video link at yesterday’s Bellator 297 press conference, Romero was touted as have met his kryptonite, in the form of his revealed fear of heights.

“He (Yoel Romero) apologizes to everybody, but getting inside that building is a fight that he knows he’s not going to win,” Chael Sonnen told assembled media. “Everybody’s got a kryptonite – now we know what Yoel’s is.” 

Touching on his fear, Cuban Olympic silver medalist, Romero explained that even with the help of his beloved kids, he would not even consider making his way onto a Ferris wheel.

“Not even with my kids would I be able to go up on a Ferris wheel,” Yoel Romero explained. 

Unable to staredown with Nemkov in-person due to his absence, Romero – who remained on a screen to the side of the platform, eventually faced-off with the Russian champion, albeit virtually. 

Vadim Nemkov vs. Yoel Romero canceled from Bellator 290

Vadim Nemkov, Yoel RomeroVadim Nemkov will unfortunately not be defending his Bellator Light-heavyweight title at Bellator 290: Bader vs. Emelianenko 2, but a new addition to the card sees Johnny Eblen defending his Middleweight title in its place. Nemkov was scheduled for his fifth title defense at Bellator 290 vs. Yoel Romero, however, the defending champ was forced […]

Vadim Nemkov, Yoel Romero

Vadim Nemkov will unfortunately not be defending his Bellator Light-heavyweight title at Bellator 290: Bader vs. Emelianenko 2, but a new addition to the card sees Johnny Eblen defending his Middleweight title in its place.

Nemkov was scheduled for his fifth title defense at Bellator 290 vs. Yoel Romero, however, the defending champ was forced to withdraw from this bout due to undisclosed reasons.

Vadim’s previous title defense came during his 2nd bout vs. Corey Anderson, where he came out victorious via Unanimous Decision. The 2nd bout against Anderson was necessary due to their first bout ending in a No Contest when they accidentally had a devastating clash of heads.

Excluding the previously mentioned No Contest, Vadim Nemkov has enjoyed a run of 8 straight wins in Bellator, but the opportunity for a ninth will have to wait a while longer. Longtime veteran, Yoel “Soldier of God” Romero, is coming off a sensational knockout win over Melvin Manhoef, and it is truly a disappointment that we won’t see Romero challenge for the title in Los Angeles on February 4th.

Johnny Eblen vs. Anatoly Tokov to Replace as Co-Main Event

With the former co-main event, Vadim Nemkov vs. Yoel Romero, off the card, a new title bout between Johnny Eblen and Anatoly Tokov will take its place.

Johnny Eblen captured Bellator gold when he defeated the legendary Gegard Mousasi at Bellator 282 via Unanimous Decision. Eblen is now an astounding 12-0 in his professional MMA career with 8 of those wins coming in Bellator.

For his first title defense, Anatoly Tokov (31-3), another fighter who has never lost in Bellator, will challenge Eblen for the Middleweight gold.

The newly booked title bout, Eblen vs. Tokov, certainly erases much of the disappointment from the originally canceled bout between Nemkov and Romero. Bellator 290 will now once again feature two title fights: The Co-Main event of Eblen vs. Tokov and the Main Event, Bader vs. Emelianenko 2.

MMA fans and Bellator are both very fortunate to have such a thrilling replacement in the Co-Main event slot of this card. Don’t miss out on February 4th as Bellator 290 once again contains two enthralling title fights just as originally scheduled.

Would you like to see Vadim Nemkov vs. Yoel Romero rebooked?