Veteran fighter Yoel Romero ends losing streak with jaw-shattering knockout at Gamebred MMA event
Romero, originally scheduled to face Hector Lombard, secured a decisive win that halted his recent downturn in bareknuckle promotions, while co-main event saw former champion Luis Palomino return to MMA.
The Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA event in Miami concluded on Friday night with a decisive victory for veteran fighter Yoel Romero. In the main event, the 49-year-old competitor defeated Alex Nicholson, marking a significant return to the win column following a series of losses in recent bareknuckle promotions.
According to reports from Yahoo Sports, Romero, known by the nickname "Soldier of God", had been initially slated to face rival Hector Lombard. However, the bout proceeded with Nicholson as the opponent, a change that did not diminish the impact of the contest. Romero, a former UFC and Bellator veteran, had previously secured three consecutive wins after leaving the PFL, having competed in BKFC and Dirty Boxing prior to this engagement.
The fight dynamics shifted after Romero executed a takedown, bringing the contest to the ground. He subsequently landed a left hand that reportedly shattered Nicholson's jaw. The severity of the injury forced Nicholson to tap out via strikes, ending the match decisively. This outcome represents Romero's first victory in the RAF and IBA Bareknuckle promotions after a streak of defeats.
In the co-main event, former BKFC champion Luis Palomino made his return to mixed martial arts competition. He faced past UFC veteran Darrell Horcher in a bout that saw Palomino secure a third-round stoppage. Yahoo Sports described the outcome as somewhat controversial, noting that the former champion came from behind to achieve the victory.
The event highlighted the continued activity of Romero in the combat sports world, with sources noting his performance at 49 years of age. The specific medical implications for Nicholson regarding the jaw fracture were not detailed in the available reporting, though the immediate result was a clear submission to strikes.
Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA served as the venue for these high-profile contests, showcasing the evolution of bareknuckle fighting with participants from major organisations including the UFC and Bellator. The results underscore the shifting landscape of the sport as veterans continue to compete across various promotional platforms.
