Robert Whittaker and Yoel Romero Headlined UFC 225 Last Night… The Result Might Have Been The Same But The Action Was Different…
After all the drama at the weigh-ins, fans were finally given the war they wanted. Robert Whittaker vs Yoel Romero in a rematch of their UFC 213 fight. In the first match, ‘Bobby Knuckles’ had beaten Romero convincingly, even though he couldn’t kick for half the fight.
There was much anticipation to see whether or not he could do it again, and if Romero’s weigh-in catastrophe would have a positive or negative effect on events. Well folks, ‘The Soldier of God’ did not look out of place last night in Chicago’s United Center.
In a five-round war, Whittaker clung on to win by split decision. We scored rounds 1, 2 and 4 to the Ozzie, however, if you were to give one of those to Romero it wouldn’t be a travesty. It was an epic fight.
😳 😳 😳@RobWhittakerMMA #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/jSXEHOcFzG
— UFC (@ufc) June 10, 2018
Battle
The belt was no longer on the line, but Whittaker knew a loss would have his credibility as a champion questioned. Round 1 kicked off with Whittaker kicking to the legs. Roero stood tall, absorbing blows. He launched a few rocket hands at the ‘Reaper’s’ head, enough to decapitate an angry steer.
But it was Whittaker’s output that would win him this fight in the end. The second continued the same way, with the Ozzie landing at will, Romero’s right eye beginning to close. This gave Whittaker more energy as he landed a couple of high kicks, and Romero appeared more and more desperate.
SOLDIER OF GOD!@YoelRomeroMMA #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/UHnvZZF2hh
— UFC (@ufc) June 10, 2018
Comeback
Round 3 is where this fight gets interesting. Romero launched forward, smashing Whittaker’s chin with a massive right, dropping the champion. The Australian was seriously hurt, but clung on bravely, covering up and crawling to his feet. Romero stayed in tight, controlling and battering him against the cage.
It was one of the most intense rounds of MMA action you’ll ever see. He managed to cut back to the center landing a high kick. Romero was relentless, walking through punches, before taking another high kick. Finally the ‘Soldier of God’ got the takedown. Incredible action.
The 4th is where Whittaker won the fight – at least on the judge’s scorecards. Romero was visibly exhausted and continued to prowl looking for the knockout blow. Meanwhile, Whittaker’s output was counting in his favor, as he chopped away at his opponent’s legs. Another massive shot landed for the Cuban, and Whittaker clung on to survive.
HEART OF A CHAMPION. @RobWhittakerMMA #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/vvTDKbYubf
— UFC (@ufc) June 10, 2018
Fifth and Final
The leg kicks were working for Whittaker, but a giant left hand from Romero smashed him to the ground. He covered up and defended his head against the ground and pound, barely clinging on under the ref’s eye. Whittaker got back up, but not for long. Romero landed violent knees, with the Australian showing heart to survive.
From then on Whittaker kept his distance, doing his utmost to hang on and seal the win. Some people have this scored as a 10-8 round to Romero. Possibly. But in the end, Whittaker would go on and take the win by split-decision. It’s the right result for the UFC. ‘Bobby Knuckles’ is a dangerous man.
