Yoel Romero Released From UFC Contract

ESPN reports that former title contender Yoel Romero and UFC have parted ways, and the middleweight fighter has been released from his contract. Romero’s manager, Malki Kawa, confirmed the news last Friday (Dec. 4).

Romero was released from his UFC contract despite having three fights left on his deal. The Olympic silver medalist in wrestling last fought at UFC 248 in March, losing a unanimous decision in a middleweight title bout against champion Israel Adesanya.

Kawa told ESPN on the news, “While we didn’t expect Romero’s time in the UFC to end like this, we are grateful for the opportunities [UFC president] Dana White, [general counsel] Hunter Campbell and [matchmaker] Mick Maynard gave him over the years. He’s ready to move on now and resume his career, and we are already talking to other promotions as we speak.”

UFC President Dana White later spoke about Romero’s release at the UFC on ESPN 19 post-fight press conference. According to White, Romero’s age was a factor, along with Romero losing four of his last five fights. The former title contender is currently on a three-fight losing streak.

Additionally, White indicated at the presser on Saturday that about 60 more fighter cuts were expected before the start of the new year.

Yoel Romero ends his UFC run at 9-4. He made his Octagon debut in April 2013 against Clifford Starks. He then won his next eight fights before losing to Robert Whittaker for the UFC interim middleweight title. Later on, Romero failed to make weight for two scheduled title bouts against Luke Rockhold and Robert Whittaker. While he managed to knock out Rockhold, he lost his rematch against Whittaker by split decision.

Adesanya was Romero’s last bid for a UFC title. However, he ultimately lost what turned out to be a disappointing, controversial and uneventful fight. His current MMA record stands at 13-5.