Yoel Romero, famously known as the “Soldier of God,” is one of the most feared fighters in mixed martial arts (MMA) history. From his days as an Olympic wrestler to becoming one of the UFC’s most explosive middleweights, Romero has left a lasting impact on combat sports. At nearly 50 years old, he continues to stay relevant by competing in MMA, bare-knuckle boxing, and other combat formats.
This article covers Yoel Romero today (hoy), whether he has a fight tonight, his UFC/MMA record, net worth, and the latest details from Tapology.
Who is Yoel Romero?
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Full Name: Yoel Romero Palacio
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Nickname: “Soldier of God”
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Date of Birth: April 30, 1977
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Age: 48 years (as of 2025)
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Hometown: Pinar del Río, Cuba
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Fighting Out Of: Miami, Florida, USA
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Team: American Top Team
Romero first rose to fame as a freestyle wrestler, representing Cuba at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where he earned a silver medal. He also became a World Wrestling Champion before transitioning to MMA in 2009.
What makes Romero unique is his blend of Olympic-level wrestling and devastating knockout power. Unlike many wrestlers who rely on grappling, Romero became known for spectacular KOs, flying knees, and explosive striking — making him one of the most dangerous fighters in UFC middleweight history.
Does Yoel Romero Have a Fight Tonight?
As of the most recent Tapology updates:
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Romero is scheduled to fight Theo Doukas at BKFC 80: Perdomo vs. Adams 2 in Hollywood, Florida, on September 12, 2025.
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This event is part of bare-knuckle boxing (BKFC), showing Romero’s move into alternative combat sports outside the UFC and Bellator.
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If today’s date matches the event, then yes — Romero has a fight tonight.
That said, he is not currently scheduled for a UFC fight. Since leaving the UFC in 2020 and completing his Bellator contract, Romero has been competing in other combat formats.
Yoel Romero’s UFC and MMA Record
Romero’s fight record reflects his incredible knockout power and durability:
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Professional MMA Record | 16–7–0 |
| Wins by KO/TKO | 13 |
| Wins by Decision | 3 |
| Wins by Submission | 0 |
| Losses | 7 (mostly decisions, never submitted) |
Key UFC Highlights
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UFC Debut: Romero made his UFC debut in 2013, knocking out Clifford Starks with a flying knee in just 1:32 of the first round.
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Winning Streak: He went on an 8-fight winning streak in the UFC, defeating top fighters like Lyoto Machida, Chris Weidman, Derek Brunson, and Jacare Souza.
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Title Fights: Romero fought twice for the UFC Middleweight Championship:
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vs. Robert Whittaker (2017, 2018) – Both fights went the distance; Romero lost narrowly but showed incredible toughness.
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vs. Israel Adesanya (2020) – A five-round decision loss in a fight that was criticized for its low activity.
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Notable War: His 2019 fight against Paulo Costa is remembered as one of the most exciting three-round wars in UFC history, even though Romero lost by decision.
Outside UFC
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After leaving UFC, Romero signed with Bellator MMA, competing in the light heavyweight division.
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His Bellator record includes a win over Melvin Manhoef (KO) and a title fight against Vadim Nemkov, which he lost by decision.
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More recently, Romero has entered bare-knuckle boxing and custom-rules fights, proving his competitive fire is still alive.
Yoel Romero Net Worth
Romero’s net worth is estimated at $10 million (Celebrity Net Worth). His fortune comes from:
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UFC Career Earnings – Romero made hundreds of thousands per fight in the UFC, with pay-per-view events boosting his payouts.
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Bellator Contract – After UFC, he signed a lucrative deal with Bellator MMA.
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Lawsuit Victory – In 2019, Romero won a $27.5 million lawsuit against a supplement company (Gold Star Performance Products) after testing positive for a banned substance due to contaminated supplements. Although it’s unclear how much he actually received, the case significantly boosted his finances.
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Sponsorships and Appearances – As a high-profile athlete, Romero has also made money from endorsements and event appearances.
Yoel Romero on Tapology
Tapology, one of the most trusted MMA databases, lists the following for Romero:
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Record: 16–7–0
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Height/Reach: 6’0” (183 cm), 73” reach (185 cm)
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Weight Class: Middleweight / Light Heavyweight
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Last MMA Fight: Loss to Vadim Nemkov by decision at Bellator 297 (June 2023).
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Other Fights: A custom-rules TKO win in 2024 against Duane Crespo under “Dirty Boxing” rules.
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Upcoming Fight: vs. Theo Doukas at BKFC 80 (September 2025).
Where is Yoel Romero Today?
Even at 48, Romero remains active and relevant. Here’s what defines his career today:
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Still Competing – Unlike many fighters his age, Romero hasn’t retired. He continues to fight in alternative combat sports like bare-knuckle boxing.
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Fan Favorite – His explosive style and unique charisma make him a cult favorite. Fans love his walkouts, his broken but charming English, and his famous quotes (“I love you, Mike Perry!”).
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Legendary Status – Though he never won a UFC title, Romero is considered one of the best fighters to never hold a belt. His performances against Whittaker, Costa, and Adesanya cemented his reputation as a legend.
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Potential Retirement Soon – With age catching up, Romero could be heading toward retirement in the next couple of years, but for now, he continues to challenge himself.
Legacy of the “Soldier of God”
Yoel Romero’s legacy is not just about wins and losses. It’s about:
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Olympic Wrestling Success – Silver medalist in freestyle wrestling at the 2000 Olympics.
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Transition to MMA – Proved wrestlers can develop elite knockout power.
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UFC Classics – Involved in some of the most exciting fights in middleweight history.
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Longevity – Still competing at 48, proving his discipline and physical resilience.
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Cultural Impact – Loved by fans for his passion, energy, and unforgettable post-fight interviews.
Conclusion
Yoel Romero remains one of the most fascinating athletes in combat sports.
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Fight Tonight: Scheduled for BKFC 80 vs. Theo Doukas in September 2025.
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UFC Record: 16–7 overall, with 13 KOs.
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Net Worth: Estimated $10 million, boosted by UFC, Bellator, and his lawsuit win.
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Tapology: Lists him as still active, with a career spanning UFC, Bellator, and bare-knuckle boxing.
At 48 years old, the “Soldier of God” continues to defy age, delivering unforgettable performances and reminding fans why he’s one of the most dangerous men ever to step into a cage or ring.
