This was originally supposed to be a homecoming title defense for UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. Unfortunately, Whittaker had to pull out following a severe staph infection and now Romero and Rockhold will compete in the main event. Rockhold can earn the distinction of interim champion if he wins but Romero missed weight and cannot. Rockhold and Romero have different strengths and weaknesses. Rockhold is a submission grappler and loves kicks on the feet while Romero has an Olympic wrestling background and is a knockout artist on the feet.
Round 1. Rockhold opens with some low kicks. Romero mostly just observes and defends. Rockhold’s shin is cut from Romero checking a kick. Rockhold lands a nice straight right hand. Rockhold continues to attack the lead leg of Romero. Romero throws a couple leg kicks of his own and Rockhold moves back awkwardly. Romero then starts throwing some power punches at the head. Rockhold continues to attack Romero’s leg with kicks. That has been the most common weapon of the fight. 10-9 Rockhold.
Round 2. Romero charges in with punches. He rocks Rockhold and looks for the finish. Romero throws a series of looping punches by the cage and connects with some hard shots. Romero backs off and slows down, but explodes with some punches moments later that also do some damage. Rockhold has a weird growth on the side of his forehead from Romero’s punches. After another delay, Romero charges in again with heavy punches. It feels like he has connected solidly at least a time or two in each of his charges. Rockhold connects with a strong jab and continues to mix in his leg kicks. Rockhold follows with a few more jabs. 10-9 Romero.
Round 3. Rockhold throws some jabs to keep Romero at bay. Romero attacks the body with some punches. Romero drops Rockhold with a left hand and then knocks him unconscious with a followup.
Winner: Yoel Romero, KO, round 3.
That was an absolutely brutal finish. Romero has so much power and explosiveness. Romero had trouble standing afterwards, his leg apparently damaged badly by Rockhold’s kicks. This would appear to set up a rematch between Romero and Robert Whittaker for the UFC middleweight title.
