Challenges in the Life of Yoel Romero in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Yoel Romero faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Yoel Romero is a Cuban professional mixed martial artist and former freestyle wrestler. He's currently competing in the Light Heavyweight division, previously known for his time in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). In the UFC, he was a prominent contender for the UFC Middleweight Championship. He has also competed in Bellator MMA.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2002: Near World Champion Win

In 2002, Yoel Romero nearly became world champion again, but lost due to penalty points and a controversial overtime ruling.

2006: Suspension by Cuban Wrestling Federation

In 2006, Yoel Romero was suspended for all of 2006 by the Cuban Wrestling Federation for allegedly throwing his match against Mindorashvili at the 2005 World Championships.

September 10, 2011: Strikeforce Debut

On September 10, 2011, Yoel Romero made his promotional debut against Rafael Cavalcante at Strikeforce 36, losing via KO in the second round.

August 31, 2013: Fight Cancellation Against Derek Brunson

On August 31, 2013, Yoel Romero was scheduled to face Derek Brunson at UFC 164, but the bout was canceled due to Brunson's injury and a replacement fighter not being medically cleared.

2013: Neck Injury

In 2013, Yoel Romero was kept out of action due to a neck injury.

January 15, 2015: Souza Pulls Out of Fight

On January 15, 2015, Ronaldo Souza pulled out of the fight against Yoel Romero at UFC 184 due to pneumonia.

February 28, 2015: UFC 184

On February 28, 2015, Yoel Romero was expected to face Ronaldo Souza at UFC 184, but Souza pulled out of the fight due to pneumonia.

April 18, 2015: Romero Out of Fight

On April 18, 2015, Yoel Romero was forced out of his fight against Ronaldo Souza at UFC on Fox 15 due to a knee injury. He was replaced by Chris Camozzi.

January 13, 2016: Potential Doping Violation

On January 13, 2016, Yoel Romero was informed of a potential doping violation stemming from an out-of-competition test conducted by USADA after his fight with Ronaldo Souza on December 12, 2015, at UFC 194.

July 8, 2017: UFC 213 Interim Title Fight

On July 8, 2017, Yoel Romero fought Robert Whittaker at UFC 213 for the interim UFC Middleweight Championship, losing by unanimous decision but earning a Fight of the Night award.

June 9, 2018: UFC 225 Loss to Whittaker

On June 9, 2018, Yoel Romero had a rematch with Robert Whittaker at UFC 225. Romero missed weight, resulting in the fight proceeding as a non-title catchweight bout. Romero lost by split decision. The fight was awarded Fight of the Night, with Whittaker receiving both $50,000 bonuses due to Romero missing weight.

November 3, 2018: Fight Scheduled Against Paulo Costa

Yoel Romero was scheduled to face Paulo Costa on November 3, 2018, at UFC 230, but Romero indicated in mid-August that he needed more time to heal from facial injuries.

April 2019: Romero Pulls Out of Fight Against Souza

In early April 2019, it was reported that Yoel Romero pulled out of his scheduled bout against Ronaldo Souza on April 27, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 150 due to illness.

April 27, 2019: Scheduled Fight against Ronaldo Souza

On April 27, 2019, Yoel Romero was scheduled to face Ronaldo Souza at UFC Fight Night 150; however, Romero pulled out of the bout due to illness.

August 17, 2019: UFC 241 Fight Against Paulo Costa

On August 17, 2019, Yoel Romero faced Paulo Costa at UFC 241, losing the fight via unanimous decision despite dominating the third round. He earned the Fight of the Night award.

2019: Recovery from Injuries

In early 2019, doctors recommended that Yoel Romero wait another four to five months to allow facial injuries incurred during his most recent fight to fully heal.

March 7, 2020: UFC 248 Loss to Adesanya

On March 7, 2020, Yoel Romero faced Israel Adesanya at UFC 248 for the UFC middleweight title, losing the fight via unanimous decision. The fight was criticized for its low activity and lack of significant offense.

August 22, 2020: Pulled from UFC on ESPN 15

On August 22, 2020, Yoel Romero was scheduled to face Uriah Hall at UFC on ESPN 15. However, Romero pulled out of the fight on August 11 for undisclosed reasons, and the bout was subsequently canceled.

September 18, 2021: Bellator Debut

On September 18, 2021, Yoel Romero made his Bellator debut at Bellator 266 against Phil Davis, losing the bout via split decision.

February 4, 2023: Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship Bout Scrapped

On February 4, 2023, Yoel Romero's scheduled fight against Vadim Nemkov for the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship at Bellator 290 was canceled due to Nemkov's withdrawal for undisclosed reasons.

June 16, 2023: Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship Fight

On June 16, 2023, Yoel Romero faced Vadim Nemkov for the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship at Bellator 297 and lost the fight via unanimous decision.

June 15, 2024: Withdrawal from Polaris 28

On June 15, 2024, Yoel Romero was scheduled to compete against Owen Livesey at Polaris 28 in an openweight match, but he had to withdraw and was replaced by Baissangour Chamsoudinov.