Yoel Romero and Tim Kennedy took the Octagon on the main card of UFC 178. Romero, the accomplished wrestler with heavy hands, was looking to take out former soldier Tim Kennedy and move toward a title shot.
Early on, Romero landed a big left hand that drew blood from Kennedy. Kennedy managed to almost score his own takedown but a scramble left both men back on their feet. Romero would score his own takedown but Kennedy was able to quickly get back to his feet, though he ate a few punches doing so.
Round two saw Romero still looking to land heavy punches while Kennedy looked a little unsure of how to get off with any effective offense. After getting bombed by Romero a little bit more, Kennedy did land a series of uppercuts.
Right before the end of the rsecond round, Kennedy landed a flurry of very heavy shots and had Romero on the verge of going out before he was saved by the bell.
Romero’s corner took forever to get out of the cage between rounds, leaving Romero sitting on his stool for probably close to an extra minute. It likely should have resulted in a point deduction if not a TKO win for Kennedy as Romero didn’t get off his stool.
It did continue and, looking exhausted, Romero came out and crushed Kennedy with a series of huge punches and tried to follow up and put him out. Romero continued to land heavy shots on the ground. Kennedy ended up rolling over and covering up, forcing the stoppage.
The corner’s slow exit from the cage will taint the win, but Romero’s violent comeback win after almost being put out himself remains impressive.