The former UFC star Yoel Romero has made a surprising return to action last night. However, not in the MMA octagon. Instead, he headlined a private boxing event in Miami.
The unique fight night, reminiscent of a scene from Fight Club was organised by “platinum” Mike Perry under the banner of his new promotion, the Dirty Boxing Championship. Yoel Romero, known for his explosive power in MMA, took to the boxing ring for what promises to be an unconventional chapter in his combat sports career.
Yoel Romero Secures First-Round Stoppage
Mike Perry’s Dirty Boxing Championship made a sensational debut, despite its unconventional marketing tactics. This event, which was held behind closed doors in Miami without any live broadcasting or streaming, took an unexpected turn when Yoel Romero was revealed as the headliner just hours before the event.
In a stunning performance, Romero the former UFC middleweight contender, showed he is still a force to be reckoned with. Less than 24 hours after the surprise announcement, the 47-year-old knocked out PowerSlap star Duane Crespo in the first round. The knockout sent the intimate crowd into a frenzy. This has included the UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones watching in awe of Romero’s power.
Since he left the UFC in 2020, Yoel Romero has had a mixed set of results. This is due to him going 3-2 in MMA. His most recent set of victories has included stoppages over Melvin Manhoef and Alex Polizzi. Not only that but he was also able to get a decision victory over Thiago Santos earlier this year. Despite having his own set backs, Yoel Romero’s knockout performance proved he’s still a dangerous athlete at any age.
Duane Crespo has been included in Dana White’s Powerslap since 2023. Crespo transitioned into the controversial “sport” after suffering knockout losses in four straight fights across boxing, Bare-Knuckle, and MMA.
Stars React To Knockout
Yoel Romero’s victory over Crespo is sparking a massive online reaction, with fans and fellow fighters celebrating his brutal knockout. As one of the most popular veterans in combat sports, the “Soldier of God” has garnered widespread admiration for his power, even at 47 years old.
While the future of Mike Perry’s underground promotion remains uncertain, the success and excitement surrounding this event indicate a strong demand for such unorthodox, private combat sports events. Fans worldwide seem eager for more, and it is clear that Mike Perry’s Dirty Boxing Championship may have found it’s niche in the combat sports scene. Check out some of the reactions down below;
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
