Yoel Romero’s transformation from shock and surprise to visible relief after losing at the IBA bare-knuckle event last weekend can only be described as miraculous. After making his promotional debut against Russian opponent Vagab Vagabov – Romero was defeated in a headlining bout and resulted in loud booing from crowd members at KSK Arena in Saint Petersburg by that decision which left Romero speechless but his team optimistic for an upturn of fortune moving forward.
Romero had recently suffered two consecutive combat sports defeats this year — wrestling and boxing losses — before this result and reported reports that organizers have decided to review a decision which favored Vagabov were published. No doubt Romero himself welcomed such news openly!
“About the decision about the fight, nobody stays happy, nobody,” Romero said. “I think the only people who will stay happy about the decision of the fight are my opponent and his team—my opponent and his team. I feel like the president is making the right choice with that. That’s protecting the image of the company and not tainting their legacy and the sport.”
This reaction stems directly from the intense action inside the ring during the IBA Bare-Knuckle event. Over the course of five rounds, Romero and Vagabov exchanged heavy strikes. The opening rounds featured both fighters cautiously feeling each other out, avoiding unnecessary risks. Momentum shifted in the third round when a powerful left cross from Romero knocked Vagabov to the canvas.
Romero carried that advantage into the fourth round, but Vagabov began to respond aggressively. In the final round, both fighters pressed forward with intensity. Despite scoring the knockdown and delivering a strong overall performance, Romero ultimately lost the decision.
The outcome did not sit well with large sections of the crowd, who booed as the judges’ verdict was announced. Even the show’s ambassador, Jon Jones, voiced his surprise at the result.
Yoel Romero Pushes Forward as IBA Review Looms
“It really could have gone either way,” Jones commented. “I felt like the fans thought that Yoel won, and I’m glad that I’m not a judge tonight.”
The backlash reached the IBA, where the organization responded to the fan and expert reactions. The IBA President announced that a special commission would review the bout and that Vagabov’s victory might be overturned following the evaluation.
Given these developments, Romero’s positive response to the IBA’s decision is understandable.
At 48 years old, soon to turn 49, Romero remains determined to build his legacy as one of combat sports’ top athletes. His career path in recent years reflects this drive. After leaving the UFC in 2020, he moved on to Bellator. Early in 2025, Romero departed from Bellator and began competing across multiple striking and grappling formats.
After victories at various events, he made his debut in bare-knuckle boxing last September, where he claimed a second-round TKO win. Later that year, he returned to wrestling competition.
This period of competition resulted in mixed outcomes for him; though his debut win at Real America Freestyle (RAF), against Pat Downey, was victorious; subsequent bouts ended up going the wrong way and were ultimately lost.
Now that the IBA review process has started, Romero still has time to capitalize on his opportunity and end his year on an upbeat note.