Yoel Romero knocked out Alex Nicholson in just 70 seconds at a Jorge Masvidal-promoted bareknuckle MMA event. The 49-year-old Romero shot for a takedown, brought the fight to the ground, then delivered a devastating punch to Nicholson's jaw that broke it. Nicholson, 35 years old with a 22-17 MMA record, tapped out immediately after the strike. Despite his advanced age, Romero demonstrated his explosive power and finishing ability remains intact in bareknuckle competition.
Yoel Romero needed just 70 seconds to remind the combat sports world he remains a dangerous finisher, knocking out Alex Nicholson at a bareknuckle MMA event promoted by Jorge Masvidal. The Cuban-born wrestler-turned-striker dropped Nicholson with a single devastating punch to the jaw, breaking it, after securing a takedown in the opening minute. Nicholson tapped out immediately upon impact.
Romero, who fights out of American Top Team and carries a 13-5 professional MMA record, is 49 years old yet showed no signs of diminished power in the finish. Standing six feet tall with a 73-inch reach, the southpaw has built his reputation on explosive bursts and a wrestling base that generates serious ground-and-pound. His career striking accuracy of 49 percent and 1.57 takedowns per 15 minutes reflect a fighter who is selective and efficient rather than volume-heavy.
Nicholson, known as "The Spartan," entered the contest at 36 years old representing American Top Team Orlando. The six-foot-four orthodox fighter carries a seven-win, four-loss record in MMA, with a reach of 77 inches and a striking output of 4.12 significant strikes per minute. His submission attempt rate of 0.5 per 15 minutes hints at some grappling threat, but he was never given the opportunity to establish anything before Romero ended matters.
Why it matters
- Romero's finishing power appears undiminished at 49, raising questions about what bareknuckle competition at his age can still offer.
- The result comes under the promotional banner of Jorge Masvidal, signaling continued growth of bareknuckle MMA as a legitimate platform for veteran fighters.
- Nicholson, absorbing a jaw fracture in the loss, faces a difficult road back and a medical recovery before any return to competition.
