Robert Whittaker scores a split decision victory in a highly entertaining war with Yoel Romero
In the main headliner of UFC 225 PPV event, Robert Whittaker clashed with Yoel Romero in a non-title bout Saturday (June 9, 2018) from inside United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Romero had the chance to win the middleweight title, but he failed to make championship weight at Friday’s weigh-ins. Soldier of God” came in at 186 pounds in his first attempt and commision granted him additional two hours to make the 185-pound mark, but came up short by .2 pounds on his second attempt. Later UFC president Dana White announced the fight would go on as a non-title fight.
In there first outing Robert Whittaker defeated Yoel Romero via unanimous decision at UFC 213 back in 2017.
Whittaker enters into Saturday’s bout with eight-fight win streak while Romero last won against Luke Rockhold at UFC 221 via third-round KO.
Robert Whittaker breaks his hand, defeated Yoel Romero via split decision in bloody war.
In the first two rounds, Romero seems dull by all botched weight cut. Whittaker’s powerful punch caused Romero’s right eye to swell nearly shut, leading many to assume the finish is near.
By the third round, both fighters hurled massive strikes on each other. Both landing uppercuts, kicks, and elbows that would have knocked out many other competitors. No one got down and ended up in the fourth round.
It was obvious, Whittaker’s right hand wasn’t doing good, as he quit throwing strikes with that hand. Whittaker continued to move forward land a kick which landed low and gave Romero a well-timed time-out.
In the final round, Romero dropped Whittaker early and almost pounded him out. It seems like both fighters were exhausted and Whittaker made it back on the feet survive the round.
Final Result: Robert Whittaker def. Yoel Romero via split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)
This victory was ninth in a row for Robert Whittaker improved his record to 20-4 and Romero now 13-2 with two losses in his past three fights.
Check out the action highlights below:
One of the fights of the year 🙌
Robert Whittaker and Yoel Romero go to war in a five-round epic at #UFC225
Both men warriors. Robert Whittaker the winner 💪 pic.twitter.com/FD6o0xnmHm
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) June 10, 2018
😳 😳 😳@RobWhittakerMMA #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/jSXEHOcFzG
— UFC (@ufc) June 10, 2018
Punch from Romero:
SOLDIER OF GOD!@YoelRomeroMMA #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/UHnvZZF2hh
— UFC (@ufc) June 10, 2018
Winning Moments:
HEART OF A CHAMPION. @RobWhittakerMMA #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/vvTDKbYubf
— UFC (@ufc) June 10, 2018
Two bouts. Two wars. #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/vmHZbQyEOK
— UFC (@ufc) June 10, 2018
