At the age of 48, Yoel "The Soldier of God" Romero has once again defied both time and expectations with a commanding debut at the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). The former Olympic champion and UFC veteran demonstrated that his formidable power remains undiminished, underscoring that retirement is not yet on his horizon.
Romero made his first appearance at BKFC 80, held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, with an impressive victory over Theo Doukas. The bout concluded in the second round when the referee halted the fight at 1:56, following three knockdowns and a significant cut that left Doukas unable to continue.
This knockout adds to Romero's extensive fighting career, as he previously announced plans to compete until the age of 52. "There's no chance, absolutely no chance," he had remarked to MMA Junkie regarding a potential retirement. With this latest achievement, he reinforces that assertion, proving that he remains competitive at the highest levels of combat sports.
Since departing from the UFC in 2020, Romero has secured six victories in eight fights. His contract allows him to switch between bare-knuckle boxing and mixed martial arts. His most recent MMA fight took place in February 2024, where he triumphed over Thiago Santos by decision in the PFL.
The BKFC 80 event also featured another standout Cuban fighter, Leonardo "El Zambo" Perdomo, who continued his rise by knocking out Arnold Adams in just 1:09 of the first round in the main event. The evening was dominated by Cuban talent, highlighting the burgeoning popularity of bare-knuckle boxing on the global stage.
Key Insights into Yoel Romero's BKFC Debut
How did Yoel Romero win his BKFC debut?
Yoel Romero won his BKFC debut by knocking out Theo Doukas in the second round, with the referee stopping the fight at 1:56 after three knockdowns and a significant cut.
What are Yoel Romero's future plans in combat sports?
Yoel Romero plans to continue competing until he is 52 years old, switching between bare-knuckle boxing and mixed martial arts, as his contract allows.
Who else stood out at BKFC 80?
Leonardo "El Zambo" Perdomo also made headlines at BKFC 80 by knocking out Arnold Adams in just over a minute of the first round, showcasing Cuban talent in the sport.