Welcome to the BKFC, Yoel Romero.
The former UFC and Bellator title challenger and Olympic Silver Medalist announced his arrival to bare knuckle boxing by blowing a horn, walking out to the Squared Circle to the sound of Salsa music.
Even at 48 years old, Cuba’s Yoel Romero stood a massive -2000 favorite in his BKFC debut at BKFC 80 on Friday. Romero looked in incredible shape.
Romero’s first opponent was Theo Doukas, a 2-2 MMA fighter.
Romero made quick work of the +750 underdog, acing his BKFC debut with a dominant performance.
Yoel Romero knocks down opponent three times for TKO at BKFC 80
Romero had a slow start in the opening round, with Doukas standing his ground.
However, the tides quickly turned in round 2 as Romero started to find his rhythm on the feet.
After being told not to throw superman punches by the referee, Romero landed clean left hands on Doukas, knocking him down.
Doukas stood up on the 8-count and blood poured from his forehead.
Romero continued his attack on Doukas and sent him down again with a brutal uppercut.
Doukas stood back up, only to get knocked down by Romero once more in the closing seconds of round 2. The referee had apparently seen enough and called the contest off.
A successful BKFC debut for Yoel Romero.
Yoel Romero isn’t going anywhere
If tonight showed us anything, it’s that Yoel Romero is here to stay in BKFC.
Almost 50 years old, ‘The Soldier of God’ keeps on winning. The TKO stoppage over Doukas was his fourth straight victory across combat sports.
Romero has wins over former UFC title challenger Thiago Santos in PFL, and Duane Crespo as well as Ras Hylton in Dirty Boxing.
Romero says he’s open to fighting for the BKFC cruiserweight title following his win.