Since his professional debut in 2010, Thiago Santos has been a major presence at middleweight and light heavyweight. In his career, Santos has scored victories over names such as Nate Marquardt, Jack Hermansson, Anthony Smith, Kevin Holland and Jan Blachowicz. Unfortunately for Santos, things have been a bit of a struggle since mid-2019, as he enters this fight with just one win in his last seven fights. Santos made his PFL debut last April against Rob Wilkinson. Wilkinson originally won the fight, but it was overturned to a no-contest after Wilkinson tested positive for a banned substance.

 

Also a popular competitor at 185 and 205 pounds in his career, Yoel Romero has been a monster in competition. Romero has scored notable knockout victories over the likes of Derek Brunson, Lyoto Machida and Chris Weidman. Romero made a return to light heavyweight when he made his Bellator debut in September 2021, losing to former champion Phil Davis. Romero rebounded by scoring late finishes of Alex Polizzi and Melvin Manhoef. This earned him a shot at the Bellator light heavyweight title last June, but he fell short in a decision against then-champion Vadim Nemkov.

 

Who will come out on top in this fight that has plenty of eyes on it?

 

 

Round 1

 

Both men go to the center and measure each other up. No one offering anything for the first 50 seconds of the fight until Santos throws a leg kick. Romero responds with a leg kick of his own. Another leg kick from Santos. Romero with a stalling kick. Head kick from Santos is blocked. A high kick from Romero is blocked. One-two from Romero after he switches stances. Santos returns fire with a right.

 

Santos bouncing around on the outside. Strong right hand lands for Santos. Low kick from Santos. Romero comes in and gets nothing. Romero lands a leg kick. One-two from Romero misses and gets him off balance. Santos tries to follow him and land strong strikes of his own, but he, too, cannot connect. Front kick for Santos is blocked. Romero comes in with a combination and the two exchange before the bell, with Santos landing a strong right hand.

 

 

Round 2

 

Low kick from Santos. Romero with a low kick. Santos tries for an axe kick but doesn’t land anything. Romero pressures Santos. Santos lands a couple of more low kicks. Left punch from Santos. Romero switched stances a couple of times. Santos tries working a combination but doesn’t get all of it. One-two from Santos. Romero with a couple of low kicks. Santos with a left hand. Santos flashed his right hand. Another low kick from Romero, and he avoids most of Santos’ combinations that followed.

 

Santos throws a right. Low kick from Romero, and another one that lands. Romero lands another leg kick. Romero throws another, trying to take the power stance away from Santos. Romero misses a front kick, but Santos doesn’t seem to be firing off much. Romero throws a head kick attempt but doesn’t connect. Santos lands his right jab, and it has a bit of an effect on Romero.

 

 

 

Round 3

 

Romero starts the round with a fiery three-punch combination. Romero throws a high kick and he’s pressuring Santos. Low kick from Romero. Santos with a couple of left hands. Both clash with low kicks. Low kick from Romero. Another low kick from Romero. Jumping knee by Romero to the body of Santos, and he pins Santos against the fence in a body lock. Santos fires off some short knees to the legs of Romero. Santos fires off a flurry on the exit.

 

Santos trying to come forward with his punches, but it’s clear that Romero’s leg kicks have affected him. Another low kick from Romero. Low round kick from Santos. One-two fired off by Romero, who comes forward. Santos tries to land a counter on the retreat. Santos misses a left jab. Round kick to the body by Romero. Romero lands a low kick and the two fire off powerful shots. Another low kick, and Santos’ leg is banged up badly. Low kick by Santos. Big left hand by Romero before the bell.

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Yoel Romero defeats Thiago Santos by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)