HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Yoel Romero could find himself fighting for BKFC gold in the near future.
Romero, a two-time UFC title challenger, made his bareknuckle boxing debut this past Friday in the co-main event of BKFC 80 in Hollywood, Fla. “The Soldier of God” made a big statement, battering his opponent Theo Doukas in violent fashion to pick up a second-round TKO win. After the fight, the ring announcer floated the idea of Romero potentially taking on the winner of Chris Camozzi vs. Alessio Sakara – who are fighting for the BKFC cruiserweight title on Oct. 25.
Despite just being fresh off his debut, Romero like the idea of getting a crack at gold.
“It sounds tempting, right?” Romero told MMA Junkie in Spanish at the BKFC 80 post-fight press conference. “It sounds tempting anytime you get offered an opportunity to get the biggest prize where you work. It’s tempting. If this is what they put on the table, I’m ready.”
Romero is one of the oldest fighters today in combat sports competing at a high level. Romero, 48, has competed eight times since he left the UFC in 2020, going 6-2 across multiple promotions and fighting disciplines. Romero has fought for Bellator, PFL and now most recently Dirty Boxing Championship and BKFC. His only two defeats came in Bellator against Phil Davis and Vadim Nemkov at light heavyweight.
The Cuban Olympic wrestling standout has told MMA Junkie multiple times he intends to retire the same age as boxing legend Bernard Hopkings, which is 52. He said he’s priviledged to still be fighting this late into his career.
“For me, it’s a great honor to still be competing in combat sports after 40 years,” Romero said. “I want to thank God for keeping me healthy and active, and allowing me to do what I do. I feel blessed to be fighting here.”
