Yoel Romero

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

Yoel Romero's wrestling career ranks among the best in Cuban history. He became world champion in 1999 and Olympic silver medalist in 2000, achievements that set the stage for his MMA transition. In the UFC, he captured the interim middleweight title and fought for the undisputed belt. His ability to compete at the highest level into his late 40s is remarkable. Romero remains a fan favorite for his explosive style and warrior spirit.

AwardsRomero won the UFC Interim Middleweight Championship by defeating Luke Rockhold at UFC 221 in 2018. In wrestling, he earned a gold medal at the 1999 World Championships, a silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and gold at the 2003 Pan American Games. He is a five-time Pan American Champion and collected five World Championship medals overall.

Honours & Distinctions

Olympic Silver Medalist

International Olympic Committee·2000

Silver medal in freestyle wrestling (85 kg) at Sydney Olympics

World Champion

FILA·1999

Gold medal at World Wrestling Championships (85 kg)

Pan American Games Gold Medalist

Pan American Games·2003

Gold medal in freestyle wrestling

Five-time Pan American Champion

Pan American Wrestling Championships·Various

Won Pan American Championships five times

UFC Interim Middleweight Champion

UFC·2018

Defeated Luke Rockhold at UFC 221 for interim title

Rankings & Lists

UFC Middleweight Rankings

UFC·2017

Records & Feats

Oldest fighter to win a bare-knuckle MMA fight by TKO

Career Milestone·2026

At age 49, Romero broke an opponent's jaw in a TKO victory in May 2026.

Only fighter to compete in Strikeforce, UFC, Bellator, PFL, and BKFC

Career Milestone·2026

Romero has fought across five major promotions.