What’s Next For Yoel Romero After Defeating Ronny Markes?
Yoel Romero scored an impressive third round TKO win against Ronny Markes at last night’s Fight For The Troops 3, continuing his 100% knockout:win ratio and becoming the first man to finish Markes by strikes in 16 pro fights.
Markes was also riding a seven fight win streak dating back to 2010, making Romero’s performance that much more meaningful. Romero, a former Olympic wrestler, is still relatively new to MMA. He started his career in 2009 and has amassed a 6-1 record; his only loss coming to Rafael Cavalcante during their 2010 Strikeforce scrap.
‘Soldier Of God’ debuted for the UFC in April 2013, knocking out Clifford Starks with a highlight reel flying knee in the first round of their UFC on Fox match up. His win last night showed us that Romero has potential, it also showed us that he still needs some shaping.
The early rounds showed Romero being frustrated by Markes’ ground game, although he was never in any real trouble, the bout could easily have been a boring three round affair; something that doesn’t end well for new fighters in the UFC.
As it occurred, Romero scored an impressive third round finish, and has likely earned himself a much bigger name in his next outing. The Middleweight division is full with potential title contenders, and plenty of gatekeepers to gauge Romero’s true capability. Who should be next fopr the Cuban KO artist?
One name that springs to mind is Derek Brunson, the two were originally slated to meet at UFC 164 before Brunson was injured, and D-Bru was clinical in his submission win over B-Hue (Brian Houston) at last night’s UFN 31.
Another good match up would be a scrap against Luke Barnatt, who is coming off a submission win over Andrew Craig at Fight Night: Machida vs. Munoz. Both guys are undefeated in the UFC, have fought seven times as pros and they like to strike.
Whoever Romero does get next, I’d like to see him make a good impression. I’m becoming more of a fan of his style and if he can get another KO win or two under his belt, the chances are good for Romero to be considered for a contender bout.
