Yoel Romero

State of the Bellator light heavyweight division entering 2021

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Bellator MMA had a very big year in 2020. Despite having to shutdown for a few months due to the pandemic, they accomplished some great things. From the first major MMA event in France to transitioning to CBS Sports Network. 

It’s been a very good year for Bellator. However, despite those accomplishments, it’s the additions that Bellator has made in 2020 that really stand out to me. Specifically the additions to the light heavyweight division.

The UFC parted ways with three top level fighters in 2020. Those fighters being Corey Anderson (14-5), Yoel Romero (13-5), and Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (22-6). Bellator pounced on those three immediately and scooped them up.

Anderson asked for his release earlier this year after he felt he wasn’t getting paid enough. Once released, Bellator signed him to a deal where he was making more. Yoel Romero was recently cut from the UFC. However, he fought for the middleweight title in his last fight.

Once on the market, Bellator signed him for the light heavyweight division. Rumble Johnson’s UFC return was much anticipated, but the two sides decided it would be best to part ways. Once on the market, Bellator signed Rumble as well.

Bellator’s Light Heavyweight Division in 2021

When the year started, Ryan Bader (27-6, 1 NC) held both the Bellator light heavyweight and heavyweight titles. However, he hadn’t defended his light heavyweight title since 2017. That changed at Bellator 244 when he fought Vadim Nemkov (12-2).

While there was a lot of hype surrounding Nemkov, many believed it would be another win for Bader. However, Nemkov proved the doubters wrong by stopping Bader in the second round. Nemkov is now the light heavyweight king and he’s 5-0 in Bellator.

The next title defense isn’t clear for Nemkov. There’s talk of a potential rematch with Bader, but there is also talk of him facing either Phil Davis (22-5, 1 NC) or Corey Anderson. Davis is riding a three-fight winning streak and just defeated Lyoto Machida (26-10) in September.

Anderson made his Bellator debut in November when he smashed Melvin Manhoef at Bellator 251. In my opinion, Bader should fight at heavyweight next and let Nemkov take on either Anderson or Davis.

The fight everyone wants to see is the potential matchup between Romero and Rumble. In all honesty, it’s bigger than the champion Nemkov facing off against any of those top contenders I mentioned.

Rumble – Romero is one of the biggest matchups Bellator could make in 2021. There have been whispers of a potential Grand Prix, but nothing is official. What we do know is that the light heavyweight division is stacked. Nemkov is going to have his hands full this upcoming year.

Bellator’s Yoel Romero says there’s a 90% chance he fights Rumble Johnson in debut

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Bellator has been making some waves with their recent signings in the light heavyweight division. Earlier this year, the promotion signed top UFC light heavyweight Corey Anderson to bolster their light heavyweight division.

Anderson was ranked fourth in the UFC prior to the Bellator signing. Then, out of no where, Bellator signed Anthony “Rumble” Johnson after he mutually parted ways with the UFC. This week, the promotion made another huge signing.

The UFC is cutting down their roster by the end of the year. One of the fighters who was let go is Yoel Romero. Romero’s release came as a surprise considering he just fought for the title back in February in his last fight.

However, the UFC decided it was time to move on from Romero. After initially not seeming interested, Bellator pounced on the opportunity to sign Yoel Romero. They finalized the deal this week and he will be fighting in the light heavyweight division.

Romero appeared on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show to talk about his move to Bellator. He talked about his first fight saying, “There’s a huge possibility, 90% chance that (Anthony “Rumble” Johnson) will be the first one.”

Bellator’s huge light heavyweight matchup

This is the biggest matchup Bellator can make with their new signings. Romero and Rumble are two of the most feared fighters in the world. Both are freaks of nature with incredible power in their hands.

Romero won a silver medal in the Olympics for wrestling, however, it’s his power and athleticism that has made him a star. Rumble Johnson is known for separating people from their senses. Just ask Glover Teixeira who didn’t last 14 seconds with Rumble.

Bellator has some serious momentum in their light heavyweight division at the moment. While their last three signings were all fighters who were released by the UFC, they are massive additions to their roster.

I’m not saying it is, but you can definitely make the argument that Bellator‘s light heavyweight division could compete with the UFC’s. It’s been a long time since anyone said they could compete with the UFC in any division.

BREAKING: Yoel Romero is heading to Bellator

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Bellator MMA has made another big signing. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani has reported that the promotion has agreed to a multi-fight deal with The Soldier of God, Yoel Romero (13-5). Romero will be competing at light heavyweight.

This news came out of no where this morning. A couple of weeks ago, it was announced that the UFC had cut Romero. Romero still had a few fights left on his deal and his last fight had been for the middleweight title.

However, the UFC is going to be making some serious roster cuts between now and the end of the year. After he was released, Bellator came out and said that they were not interested in bringing in Yoel Romero. 

I believed that this was a big mistake because Romero is still one of the best fighters in the world. However, it appears that the promotion had a change of heart over the last week.

After initially saying that they wouldn’t be interested, Bellator changed their tune late last week. They began negotiating with Romero and they came to a deal. The Soldier of God is officially heading for Bellator’s light heavyweight division.

Romero in Bellator

Yoel Romero is the third addition to Bellator’s light heavyweight division in 2020 of fighters who were under contract with the UFC. Corey Anderson parted ways with the UFC despite having fights left on his deal to sign with Bellator.

Last week, Anthony Johnson parted ways with the UFC with fights left on his deal and signed with Bellator. Now, Romero is doing the same thing. While the UFC was comfortable letting these guys go, they’ve bulstered the light heavyweight division of the competition.

I’m extremely interested in seeing Romero compete at light heavyweight. For years, Romero has struggled to get down to 185 pounds. I’ve always been curious to see how he would do when he didn’t have to cut weight.

We are going to get to see that in Bellator. It’s a big move for the promotion and the right move. I’m glad they decided to reevaluate the situation and go after Romero after initially saying they would not.

Is Bellator making a mistake passing on Yoel Romero?

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Just a couple of days ago, we found out Yoel Romero was released by the UFC. Immediately afterwards, fans were wondering if Bellator would be the place that Romero would call home after his shocking release.

The news really came out of no where. Yoel Romero last fought in February for the UFC middleweight title. Romero was ranked fifth in the promotion’s rankings and he was scheduled to fight in August before he had to pull out.

The UFC is making financial cuts and Romero was an asset they could live without. Bellator is arguably the second biggest MMA promotion in the world. Romero is still a top guy so it would make logical sense for Romero to end up with a promotion like Bellator.

However, today we learned some interesting news. Sources told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani that Bellator was not interested in signing the former four-time UFC middleweight title challenger. Bellator seems comfortable not going after Romero.

This made me scratch my head a little bit. I understand that Bellator doesn’t want to be considered as the place for UFC rejects, but Yoel Romero is still one of the best fighters in the world. He would have been a great fit with Bellator.

Bellator’s mistake?

Let me preface this section by saying that of course things could change. Maybe Bellator has a change of heart and they decide to go after The Soldier of God. However, let’s say for the sake of argument that they hold firm and pass.

Is it a mistake for Bellator to pass on Yoel Romero. Yes, it’s a massive mistake for them to pass on Romero. They are thinking of this all wrong. I hate to break it to Scott Coker, but Bellator will never be the UFC. They just won’t ever reach that level.

That being said, Bellator is now becoming a promotion that will shun fighters if they are cut from the UFC. The reason is because they don’t want to risk a guy like Romero coming in and winning the middleweight championship after failing to win in the UFC.

They could then see the MMA world going, “You see, Bellator’s best are just the UFC’s rejects.” However, Yoel Romero shouldn’t be considered anyone’s reject. Yes, he was released by the UFC, but he’s still one of the very best in the world.

If Bellator were to sign Romero, they could build a huge event around Romero fighting Gegard Mousasi for the middleweight title. I think by passing on Romero they are focusing too much on their reputation and not enough on fight making. A mistake in my opinion.

Could Tyron Woodley be on the UFC chopping block?

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UFC, Tyrone Woodley

This past weekend UFC fans were shocked to see the news that Yoel Romero had been cut by the promotion. One of the best middleweights in the world who’s last appearance inside the octagon was for the UFC middleweight title.

Romero was the fifth ranked middleweight in the UFC. Dana White was asked about the decision to release Romero after UFC Vegas 16. White made the announcement that the promotion was going to be going through some serious cuts.

White said that the UFC would be releasing up to 60 fighters between now and the end of the year. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reported that the number could be as high as 80 fighters getting released by the promotion.

White also said that Romero wouldn’t be the last big name to go. There would be some other recognizable names that the promotion would move on from. That got me thinking about potential UFC cut candidates.

I started looking up and down the rankings for all of the divisions. There was one name that immediately jumped out at me as a potential option to be cut. That would be the former UFC welterweight champion, Tyron Woodley (19-6-1).

Could the UFC cut the former champ?

I honestly never thought I would be writing about the possibility of Tyron Woodley getting cut, but here we are. I should preface this by saying that I have no insider knowledge on this and this is purely speculation at this point.

So, why do I think the former UFC champion could be on the chopping block? Well, for starters, Woodley makes a lot of money when he fights. It’s clear that the UFC is going to be trimming the fat which means high earning fighters who are not apart of the future.

Being a former 5x champion, Woodley earns a lot when he steps into the cage. Woodley’s resume earned him the money that he receives. However, his last three performances have been horrendous.

Against Colby Covington, Gilbert Burns, and Kamaru Usman, Woodley hasn’t even won a round. He’s been completely dominated in all three of his last UFC fights. He’s looked like a shell of his former self inside the octagon.

Woodley has other avenues for making money outside the UFC and it’s been questioned on if he’s truly focused on fighting. Another thing about Woodley is the fact that he’s turning 39 in April.

White even made comments suggesting he think about hanging it up after the Covington fight. All of this and it’s not like Woodley and the UFC have had a great working relationship. Dana White has had negative comments multiple times regarding Woodley.

Mix all of that together and you have a prime candidate for a UFC cut. However, I don’t think Woodley should be cut from the UFC. This article is completely going off of the assumption that more big names are going. Don’t be shocked if you see Woodley exit the promotion.

Dana White says the UFC will make serious cuts by the end of the year

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UFC, Dana White

It looks like there’s going to be a lot of changes coming to the UFC roster in the next couple of weeks. Yesterday, fight fans were shocked to learn the news that former title challenger, Yoel Romero, had been cut by the UFC. 

Romero is extremely popular with fans and he’s been one of the best middleweights in the UFC for a long time. Yet, the promotion parted ways with Romero yesterday while he still had three fights left on his current deal.

Tonight, after the UFC Vegas 16 event, the media had a chance to ask Dana White about Romero. It turns out that Romero might just be the beginning to the roster changes that will be coming to the UFC.

White told the media tonight, “It’s not just Yoel. We’re going to go through some serious here at the end of the year. Probably going to have 60 cuts coming up before the first of the year. Our roster is very inflated right now. You’re going to see a lot of names going.”

UFC Roster Changes

Throughout this pandemic year of 2020, the UFC has kept pushing through. They’ve hosted more MMA events than any other promotion. They were the first sport to start things up after everything was shut down earlier this year.

Despite the lack of crowds and the revenue from live gates, the UFC has continued to add talent throughout the year. The Contender Series alone added more than twenty fighters to the UFC roster.

At the end of the year, most businesses will evaluate where they are sitting financially. It appears that the UFC is needing to make some cuts to save a little money. The roster is massive, and the promotion will likely cut guys who earn a lot, but aren’t superstars.

Given the criteria of the cuts, I would expect some big names who’ve been with the promotion a long time get let go. The longer you’re with the UFC, the more money you’re likely going to be making in your contract.

If the promotion doesn’t see you as a part of their future plans, you might be on the chopping block. However, we don’t know exactly who will be let go. All we know is that there are going to be more names released before 2020 ends.

BREAKING: The UFC and Yoel Romero have parted ways

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One of the more prominent fighters in the UFC‘s middleweight division is no longer with the promotion. In a stunning report by ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, Yoel Romero is no longer a member of the UFC. His manager confirmed the news with Helwani.

This is a very stunning development that really came out of no where. Romero was scheduled for a UFC fight back in August against Uriah Hall. Romero had to pull out of the fight and the UFC pivoted to book Hall against Anderson Silva.

Since then, things have been very quiet on the Yoel Romero front. There had been no talk about the UFC getting him his next opponent. Many just assumed that Romero was taking his time. However, we now know that there might be more to the story.

There is still no word on why Romero and the UFC have parted ways. Helwani also reported that Romero had three fights left on his contract. As I’m writing this story, I’m still a little stunned by the news that Romero is no longer with the promotion.

Romero’s UFC legacy

With the news that Yoel Romero is no longer with the UFC, it’s time to reflect on his run inside the octagon. The promotion’s acquisition of Strikeforce brought Romero to the big stage. The Olympic Silver medalist was an instance force in the middleweight division.

He made his UFC debut back in April of 2013 where he won by a flying knee. Romero would go on to win his first eight fights before getting a shot against Robert Whittaker for the interim middleweight title.

Whittaker edged out Romero that night. Romero then bounced back to knock out Luke Rockhold with a devastating left hand. After that, Romero fought Whittaker again for the UFC middleweight title.

To this day, I believe that Romero won that fight. However, the judges gave a split decision to Whittaker. Following that matchup, Romero lost a very entertaining fight against Paulo Costa before fighting Israel Adesanya for the UFC middleweight title.

The fight failed to live up to expectations and Romero lost to Adesanya. In the end, Romero will finish his UFC career 1-4 in his last five contest. However, it was a fun ride while it lasted.

What happened to Paulo Costa at UFC 253?

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Prior to UFC 253, Paulo Costa was known as the most terrifying force in the middleweight division. Undefeated and looked to be chiseled out of rock, Costa would push forward against all opponents with a pace and pressure that most couldn’t withstand.

The UFC‘s top middleweight contender was thought to be the one middleweight who could give Israel Adesanya some problems. The thought was that Costa’s style and pressure could disrupt the brilliant distance controlled striking from the champion Adesanya.

UFC President Dana White was building up this fight all summer, and he was calling it a fight of the year candidate. It was supposed to be a true bull versus matador matchup at UFC 253. However, the actual result was anything but what the build up said it would be.

Everyone expected Costa to push forward like he always does, but he appeared to be frozen in time. On the outside mocking Adesanya, but getting lit up in the process. The lack of aggression and playing into Adesanya’s hands led to him getting knocked out in the second round.

I will be the first to admit that I bought into the Paulo Costa UFC hype. Costa looked to be a monster, and I thought his pressure and ability to mix up his shots would give Adesanya problems. Myself and many others were dead wrong. So what happened?

What went wrong at UFC 253

As mentioned, Costa has a style that relies on breaking his opponents with his pressure. As fighters try to get away from the hurricane force he brings, he normally catches his opponents. That’s how he earned a perfect record prior to UFC 253.

Something was wrong as soon as the fight started on Saturday night. Costa came out extremely relaxed with virtually no sense of urgency. This wasn’t the Paulo Costa that UFC fans have come to know over the last few years. It was puzzling watching it unfold live.

Adesanya started working vicious leg kicks early and Costa did nothing. Costa threw a few good kicks throughout, but it was all Adesanya. Costa was finished with a flurry and suffered the first lost of his professional and UFC career.

I think the five round factor really freaked Costa out. Costa almost lost his last fight against Yoel Romero because he gassed out after his quick start. Costa was beating Romero up, but as the fight went on, Costa began to really fade.

I think there was a serious worry that if he faded badly at UFC 253 he would get finished. I think Costa didn’t believe that Adesanya could finish him with strikes while he wasn’t tired. This assumption proved to cost Costa dearly.

Now, Costa will have to go back to the drawing board. I suggested a potential fight with Derek Brunson next to try to get him back on track. Costa will be back, and he’s way too talented to not get another shot one day. However, on Saturday night, it was proven that Costa was not in the same league as Israel Adesanya.

UFC 253 Main Event Preview: Will Adesanya or Costa remain unbeaten?

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Tomorrow night, arguably the most anticipated UFC title fight of the year takes place. Two undefeated fighters will fight for the middleweight title. It’s the first time two undefeated fighters have fought for the title since 2009.

Israel Adesanya (19-0) and Paulo Costa (13-0) have been building to this moment for over a year. These two UFC rivals have been chomping at the bit to get after each other. They do not like each other, and they both want to hurt the other.

Paulo Costa was supposed to get the UFC title shot earlier this year. However, a bicep injury forced him to wait until now. Instead, Adesanya defended against Yoel Romero at UFC 248 in a fight that left fans unimpressed.

Romero didn’t move forward, and the counter striker, Adesanya, seemed content with throwing leg kicks from the outside. We shouldn’t have that problem with Adesanya taking on Borrachinha. Costa only knows one way to move and that’s forward.

UFC President Dana White has already been saying that this fight will be the fight of the year. Two undefeated fighters who are at the top of their game. A true bull versus matador type of fight. Who will walk away as the champion?

UFC 253 Main Event Prediction

Adesanya comes into this contest having faced little adversity in his UFC career. Since joining the promotion back in 2018, Adesanya is 8-0 with really only one fight pushing him significantly and that was his interim title fight with Kelvin Gastelum.

Adesanya is an elite striker. He uses his long limbs to catch guys coming in and sniper like precision to hurt fellow fighters. He’s an extremely difficult person to prepare for. Many thought he would run into his first loss against Robert Whittaker.

However, Adesanya’s precise counter striking was on full display at UFC 243. Adesanya knocked out Whittaker in the second round to become the undisputed UFC middleweight champion of the world.

Paulo Costa hasn’t faced much adversity in his UFC career as well. While he didn’t win on the Ulitmate Fighter, he’s never lost in his professional career. Costa is 5-0 with four knockouts in his UFC career. His last fight also came against Yoel Romero.

Instead of playing it safe from the outside, Costa went right into the fire with Romero. It was a very close fight, but Costa had his hand raised in the end. Costa is going to come forward with vicious hooks and get right into Adesanya’s face.

At UFC 253, I’m really torn on the result. On one hand, it’s easy to see Adesanya getting the better of Costa and just catching him every time he comes in. On the other hand, it’s easy to see Costa giving Adesanya problems with his pressure.

It’ll truly be the first time that Adesanya will have to endure the hurricane like pressure in those first couple of rounds. Costa will push forward and I think body shots could be a key strategy for Paulo Costa in this one.

I’ve gone back and forth, but I’m actually going to lean towards the upset in this one. I don’t feel great about this pick at all, but I keep seeing Costa landing something massive in the first two rounds.

Prediction: Paulo Costa by TKO – Round 2

UFC: Anderson Silva’s last fight could come against Uriah Hall

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UFC, Anderson Silva

The career of one of the greatest fighters of all time is coming to a close. UFC President Dana White said in the post-fight press conference of the Contender Series that the promotion was working on the “last fight” for Anderson Silva (34-10, 1 NC).

The Spider was once considered universally to be the greatest MMA fighter to have ever lived. However, his 1-6, 1 NC stretch over the last seven years has changed a lot of minds. Without a doubt, the former UFC middleweight champion is still one of the best to ever do it.

White said that the promotion was looking at another striker for his final fight. One opponent that White likes is Uriah Hall (15-9).

UFC 198 Throwback

“We’re working on a fight for him (Silva) coming up soon here…He will fight again. I met with his managers the other day. This will be his last fight…We’re talking about putting him in a very competitive fight that should be fun… Uriah Hall,” White said to the media.

Believe it or not, this would not be the first time that these two men were paired up. These two were initially supposed to fight at UFC 198 a few years back. However, a last minute injury forced Silva off the card in Brazil.

When Uriah Hall was on the Ultimate Fighter, many people remarked that he reminded them of Silva. Silva was the UFC‘s gold standard at that point in time. The way Hall was knocking people out, you couldn’t help but dream about a fight between the two men.

Of course we know that since that time, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for either man. Hall has never really lived up to his hype, while Silva has been sliding as he’s gotten older.

One More Fight

Silva turned 45 this year and really has nothing left to prove. He’s simply fighting because it’s what he loves to do. While he’s not at the top of the sport anymore, he proved at UFC 234 that he can still hang with the best.

Silva put up a very competitive performance against the current UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya. Hall was initially scheduled to fight Yoel Romero this week, but that fight fell through with Romero pulling out.

Hall has won two straight fights and a win over a big name like Anderson Silva would really get some momentum behind him. I still would love to see Hall and Romero fight, but for now, I think I could live with seeing one of the all time greats compete in a striking match with Primetime Uriah Hall.