Yoel Romero knocked out Alex Nicholson in just 70 seconds at a bare-knuckle MMA event promoted by Jorge Masvidal. The 49-year-old Romero secured a takedown before delivering a devastating punch to Nicholson's jaw that broke it, forcing the 35-year-old to tap out in submission. Romero's striking power remains formidable despite his age. Nicholson entered the bout with a 22-17 MMA record according to available data. The quick finish demonstrates Romero's continued effectiveness even in the bare-knuckle format. This marks a successful debut for the Cuban fighter in Masvidal's promotion.
Yoel Romero wasted no time announcing himself in bare-knuckle MMA, stopping Alex Nicholson just 70 seconds into their bout at a promotion run by Jorge Masvidal, with the finish coming via a jaw-breaking punch that left Nicholson no choice but to tap out.
Romero, who goes by "Soldier of God," is 49 years old and carries a professional MMA record of 13-5. The southpaw Cuban, who trains out of American Top Team, stands six feet tall with a 73-inch reach. His striking accuracy sits at 49 percent — a figure that underlines why his power has long been respected — and he averages 1.57 takedowns per 15 minutes, a blend of wrestling and striking that proved decisive here. He secured a takedown before landing the finishing punch that reportedly broke Nicholson's jaw.
Nicholson, nicknamed "The Spartan," is 36 years old and represents the United States, also out of American Top Team Orlando. The orthodox fighter is listed at six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach and holds a professional record of 7-4. He lands 4.12 significant strikes per minute and connects at a 43 percent accuracy rate, giving him genuine offensive output in stand-up exchanges.
Why it matters
- Romero, at 49, showed his knockout power translates directly into the bare-knuckle format, making him a credible name for Masvidal's promotion going forward.
- The 70-second finish offered Nicholson's size and reach advantages no opportunity to factor into the fight.
- A win over a recognizable former UFC fighter adds instant legitimacy to Masvidal's promotional venture.
- The result raises further questions about how veteran UFC-caliber talent will perform in the growing bare-knuckle MMA space.
