GFL confirm signings of UFC veterans Yoel Romero, Shogun Rua in controversial addition
The GFL (Global Fight League) have this evening confirmed the addition of former UFC stars, Yoel Romero, and Shogun Rua to their developing roster ahead of their planned first event in April of this year — to much scrutiny and debated from pundits and fans given the duo’s respective ages.
Romero, a former undisputed and interim middleweight title challenger under the banner of the UFC, departed the Octagton following a forgettable title challenge loss to former two-time gold holder, Israel Adesanya in a headliner clash back in 2020.
Sidelined from mixed martial arts since February of last year, Yoel Romero most recently featured at a billed PFL vs. Bellator event, taking on fellow UFC alum, Thiago Santos, turning in a unanimous decision win over the former light heavyweight championship chaser.
Fruthermore, alongside the addition of 47-year-old Cuban veteran, Yoel Romero, the GFL also confirmed the signing of veteran former Pride FC and UFC champion, Shogun Rua — who is aged 43.
GFL announce host of signings including Yoel Romero and Shogun Rua
Calling time on his career two years ago, Rua exited combat sports in the midst of a three-fight losing run, capped off by a first round knockout defeat to recent UFC Vegas 101 feature, Ihor Portieria in his native Brazil.
Other additions to the roster include former UFC featherweight title challenger, Chad Mendes, as well as ex-bantamweight championship holder, Renan Barao, and Octagon alums, Ovince Saint-Preux, Todd and former dominant Bellator MMA welterweight kingpin, Douglas Lima.
Earlier this week to boot, both ex-champion, Holly Holm and veteran UFC megastar, Tony Ferguson were linked heavily with a move to the new organization, with Albuquerque veteran, Holm welcoming the chance to fight in the promotion.
“Maybe I go to boxing,” Holly Holm explained. “I know there’s a lot of talk with GFL, so I’m just leaving my options open. When I boxed, I fought at 140, 147, and 154. I never fought at 135 in boxing, so sometimes I feel like it’s unfinished business. Do I go back? And the people that have, you know, belts at that weight class are Serrano and Taylor, so sometimes it’s like, is that unfinished business? Because that’s most of my fights in MMA. I mean, majority of them were at 135, but I never fought at 135 in boxing, so who knows?
