Yoel Romero proved that age is merely a number as he showcased his knockout power at the inaugural Dirty Boxing Championship (DBX) event. On March 22, 2025, the 47-year-old mixed martial arts veteran faced off against heavyweight Ras Hylton at The Hangar in Miami, Florida. Romero, a former UFC title challenger, entered the ring determined to demonstrate that he still belongs at the top of the combat sports world.
Standing 6'6" and weighing in at 256 pounds, Ras Hylton presented a considerable challenge for Romero, who measured up at 5'10" and 225 pounds. Despite the intimidating height difference and Hylton's reach advantage, Romero fought patiently, strategizing throughout the early rounds without engaging in reckless exchanges.
As the first two rounds unfolded, the match resembled a typical boxing bout, with both fighters measuring each other. Hylton utilized his size, maintaining distance with effective jabs that kept Romero at bay. Yet, the seasoned fighter from Cuba proved adaptable, focusing on working Hylton’s body while searching for openings.
By the time they entered the third round, Romero began to find his rhythm, intensifying the pressure on the towering Hylton. It was in this pivotal moment that everything changed. After landing a few targeted body shots, Romero seized an opportunity, catching his opponent with a well-placed right hand followed by a swift left hook. Hylton crumbled to the canvas, and the referee swiftly stepped in to call the fight off with just 34 seconds remaining, marking a triumphant victory for Romero.
This knockout win not only showcased Romero’s enduring capabilities but also established his position within the newly launched DBX promotion, which was co-founded by Jon Jones and Mike Perry. The event attracted numerous notable celebrities, enhancing its profile. Among those in attendance were Jon Jones himself, who watched closely as he supports his venture alongside Perry. Influencers such as Adin Ross and Patrick Bet-David were also spotted in the audience, highlighting the crossover appeal of the new combat sport.
Reflecting on his performance, fans responded enthusiastically, with one commenting on social media, “Beast,” praising Romero’s finishing ability, while another exclaimed, “Yoel defying age yet again.” Such sentiments underscore the intrigue surrounding Romero's ability to compete effectively at 47, particularly against younger athletes such as Hylton.
Romero's victory on Saturday night solidifies his position in DBX's roster, now with two wins and two knockouts since joining the promotion after departing from UFC in 2020 following a title loss to Israel Adesanya. He briefly competed for Bellator, accumulating a 3-2 record before stepping into the new combat sport arena.
The Dirty Boxing Championship differentiates itself from traditional boxing and MMA by allowing fighters to utilize five-ounce gloves, enabling various punch techniques while excluding kicks and takedowns, focusing solely on striking and ground-and-pound techniques. This unique format aims to attract combat sports fans seeking more action without the grappling elements of MMA, which may not appeal to all viewers.
As the night unfolded with several other exciting matchups, such as Andrei Arlovski's TKO victory over Terrance Hodges, it became evident that DBX is making an ambitious attempt to carve out its niche in the busy combat sports scheduling landscape. With Romero headlining the kickoff event and proving he still has the skills to engage audiences, the promotion appears ready to stake its claim.
Looking ahead, it's vital for DBX to create compelling matchups and build star power to thrive in the competitive realm of combat sports. Romero’s experience and fan appeal could anchor their efforts as they work to develop the brand. As he continues to dazzle fans, one can only wonder how long he will remain a fierce competitor in this intriguing new format.
Ultimately, Yoel Romero showcased an electrifying performance that captivated viewers and left a lasting impact on the opening night of Dirty Boxing. With a bright future ahead, both for the aged warrior and the fledgling promotion, fans are eager to see what’s next in this newly energized fight scene.
