Yoel Romero Says Chris Weidman Looks Different Since USADA

UFC middleweight contender Yoel Romero returns at UFC 205 this coming November 12. After learning he’d failed a drug test in January of this year, ‘Soldier of God’ appealed and got his suspension reduced to six months. Facing Chris Weidman in New York City, Romero has been the subject of some criticism from ‘The All-American.’ Weidman has always stood against steroid users in MMA, of whom he’s faced quite a few. His last five fights have featured three fighters (Anderson Silva twice) who have failed drug tests in the last three years.

Now that USADA is running the show, things are a little different. There are fewer places to hide and less substances that can go undetected. Although it was a long time coming, the new dope testing regime is here. The MMA world figured things were going to get worse before they got better, but few expected the high-profile busts of the last 12 months. In the case of Romero, the tainted supplement defense was accepted by the doping agency, but he’s still been taking plenty of heat from fellow fighters.

Romero Accuses Weidman

In an interesting twist on the plot at 185 pounds, Yoel Romero has accused UFC 205 opponent Chris Weidman of some fishy business. ‘Soldier of God’ says ‘The All-American’ looks different since USADA came to town. Here’s what Romero said over Twitter:

Last night blood and urine. Today urine. I hope @ChrisWeidmanUFC is getting tested like this too. Some of us still look the same 😉#ynuevo

— Peoples Champ (@YoelRomeroMMA) October 14, 2016

Let’s Take a Look

After Romero’s insinuation regarding Weidman’s physique, let’s take a look at a comparison picture.

The Verdict

In a way, Yoel Romero is right. Chris Weidman does look different since USADA, if anything he looks better. That said, his form was not on par with what we’ve become accustomed to in his last bout. Luke Rockhold battered Weidman to a bloody pulp at UFC 194, and Romero is one hell of a rebound fight for the former champion.