Yoel Romero, a formidable figure in combat sports, demonstrated once again his elite prowess by capturing the interim championship at the Real American Freestyle (RAF) during its fourth installment on December 20th in Indiana.
At 48 years old, the Pinar del Río native, also known as the "Soldier of God," revisited his roots in wrestling, a discipline where he initially built much of his athletic reputation. He faced off against American contender Pat Downey, a high-caliber opponent with a gold medal from the 2019 World Junior Championships.
From the outset, Romero's experience, strength, and tactical acumen were evident. The Cuban athlete dominated the bout, concluding it with a decisive technical superiority score of 10-0, without needing to exhaust the regulatory time limit.
Downey found no solutions to counter the veteran's overwhelming control. Romero commanded the match across all dimensions, executing consistent takedowns, applying physical pressure, and repeatedly forcing his opponent out of the competitive area. This strategy allowed him to accrue points steadily and secure an undeniable victory.
The Cuban's performance, who earned an Olympic silver medal in Sydney 2000 and was a former UFC star, ignited applause from the audience at the Fisher Event Center. Fans celebrated the island athlete's new achievement, and Romero responded to the support with an acrobatic flip, spectacularly capping off the evening.
With this victory, Yoel Romero adds another title to a career distinguished by longevity and competitive excellence, reaffirming his presence in high-level arenas and strengthening his influence in the Real American Freestyle, which blends traditional wrestling with modern sports entertainment elements. Last September, Romero also defied age and expectations with a dominant debut in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).
The Pinar del Río-born fighter made his BKFC debut at BKFC 80, held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, achieving a spectacular win over Theo Doukas. He resolved the match in the second round when the referee halted the action at 1:56, following three knockdowns and a severe cut that left his opponent unable to continue.
Yoel Romero's Recent Achievements and Impact
What title did Yoel Romero recently win at age 48?
Yoel Romero won the interim championship at the Real American Freestyle (RAF).
Who did Yoel Romero compete against in the RAF event?
Yoel Romero faced Pat Downey, a skilled American wrestler, at the RAF event.
How did Yoel Romero perform in his debut at the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship?
In his debut at the BKFC 80, Yoel Romero defeated Theo Doukas in the second round after a series of knockdowns and a severe cut.