Yoel Romero
Yoel Romero Palacio is a Cuban mixed martial artist and former freestyle wrestler.
Yoel Romero Palacio is a Cuban mixed martial artist and former freestyle wrestler. He is best known for winning a silver medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2000 Summer Olympics and for competing in major MMA promotions including the UFC, Bellator, and PFL. His career has been followed by Canadian MMA fans due to his appearances in North American promotions and bouts against internationally known opponents.
Early life and wrestling career
Yoel Romero Palacio was born on April 30, 1977, in Pinar del Río, Cuba, and became an elite freestyle wrestler. His wrestling résumé includes an Olympic silver medal in 2000 and a world championship gold medal in 1999.
Mixed martial arts career
Romero transitioned to MMA in 2009 and rose to prominence through Strikeforce and the UFC before later competing in Bellator, PFL, and other promotions. He competed in the UFC from 2013 to 2020. Sources differ slightly on his current record depending on whether later bouts are included; the latest available sources list him at 16–7 overall.
Fighting style
Romero is widely associated with explosive athleticism, powerful striking, and a southpaw stance. His MMA record shows a large share of wins by knockout or technical knockout, and he is known for a high knockout rate with most of his wins coming by KO/TKO. He fights out of Coconut Creek, Florida, and trains with American Top Team.
Notable achievements
Beyond MMA, Romero's combat sports career is defined by his success in international wrestling. His Olympic and world-level medals make him one of the most accomplished amateur wrestlers to enter MMA. He is also known by the nickname "Soldier of God."
Key facts
- Won a silver medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2000 Summer Olympics for Cuba.
- Began his professional MMA career in 2009.
- Competed in the UFC from 2013 to 2020 and later fought in Bellator and PFL.
- Known for a high knockout rate in MMA, with most of his wins coming by KO/TKO.
- As of the latest available results, he is listed with a professional MMA record of 16–7.
Romero has had relevance for Canadian MMA fans through his appearances in major North American promotions and his bouts against internationally known opponents followed by Canadian audiences.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Yoel Romero?
What is Yoel Romero’s nickname?
What is Yoel Romero best known for in wrestling?
What promotions has Yoel Romero fought in?
What is Yoel Romero’s fighting stance?
What is Yoel Romero’s MMA record?
References
- ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/2569939/yoel-romeroSupports: Birthdate, nationality, weight class, team, nickname, stance, and MMA profile
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoel_RomeroSupports: Fighting out of Coconut Creek, Florida; team; wrestling background; years active; MMA record summary
- Fight Matrix — https://www.fightmatrix.com/fighter-profile/Yoel%20Romero/61978/Supports: UFC record, title bouts, debut date, and fight statistics
- Sherdog — https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Yoel-Romero-60762Supports: Age, height, weight, and fight record details
- PFL — https://www.pflmma.com/all-fighter/yoel-romeroSupports: Career record and training location
- Tapology — https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/16155-yoel-romero-palacioSupports: Full name, date of birth, weight class, affiliation, last fight, and wrestling achievement summary
- ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/stats/_/id/2569939/yoel-romeroSupports: Nickname, stance, team, and physical stats
- UFC — https://www.ufc.com/athlete/yoeru-romeroSupports: UFC division and UFC-specific record summary