Yoel Romero, 49 years old, defeated Alex Nicholson by submission in Jorge Masvidal's bare-knuckle MMA promotion. Romero secured a double-leg takedown, achieved top position, and then delivered a devastating punch to Nicholson's jaw that broke it. Nicholson tapped out in submission due to the injury. The fight lasted just 70 seconds. Nicholson is 35 years old with a reported record of 22-17 in MMA, though sources vary on the exact numbers. This victory demonstrates Romero's continued effectiveness in combat sports despite his advanced age.
Yoel Romero, the 49-year-old Cuban-born combat sports veteran, picked up a first-round submission victory over Alex Nicholson at Jorge Masvidal's bare-knuckle MMA promotion on May 2, 2026, finishing the fight in just 70 seconds.
Romero, nicknamed "Soldier of God," holds a professional MMA record of 13-5-0 and competes out of American Top Team. Standing six feet tall with a 73-inch reach, the southpaw has long been regarded as one of the most physically imposing athletes in combat sports. His career takedown rate of 1.57 per 15 minutes was on full display as he secured a double-leg takedown, took top position, and unleashed a punch to Nicholson's jaw that reportedly broke it. Nicholson tapped out from the injury, giving Romero the submission victory.
Nicholson, known as "The Spartan," is 36 years old and carries a record of 7-4-0 in MMA according to AgentMMA's verified data. The American Top Team Orlando product stands six-foot-four at 193 cm with a 77-inch reach and lands 4.12 significant strikes per minute at 43 percent accuracy. Despite his physical advantages in height and reach, he was unable to keep the fight standing against Romero's takedown pressure.
Why it matters
- Romero, at 49, remains a credible and dangerous competitor capable of finishing fights quickly in bare-knuckle MMA.
- The victory was secured via Romero's trademark wrestling, highlighting how his grappling-based game translates effectively outside of the traditional cage.
- Both fighters are affiliated with the American Top Team network, adding an unusual dynamic to the matchup.
- The finish underscores the distinct dangers of bare-knuckle competition, where a single flush punch can cause structural injury severe enough to end a bout.
