Businessman admits that Yoel Romero could have faced Chris Weidman at UFC 250

Y. Romero (photo) negotiated to face C. Weidman in the UFC 250, which would take place on May 9th. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook UFC

Many MMA fans remember the great victory of Yoel romero about Chris Weidman in November 2016. What few know is that Ultimate was close to confirming the rematch between the North American and the Cuban for the UFC 250, which would take place on May 9th – initially in São Paulo. According to Romero's manager, Malki Kawa, there were negotiations to re-edit the confrontation, but the fight ended up not getting off the ground due to the suspension of Ultimate's activities due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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“They offered us (Chris) Weidman for his next fight, but Yoel (Romero) had an injury to the orbital bone of his eye, and I was waiting to see if I could clear him to fight on May 9, and they canceled the event. ”, said the businessman in a live chat with fans on his social networks.

When they met for the first time, Chris and Romero were in completely different situations in their careers. While the Cuban was on a seven-fight winning streak, Weidman had recently lost his position as champion of the category, but was still a big name among the middleweights (under 83,9kg).

Almost four years later, the fighters have a negative record in their last performances. Malki then suggested that the clash could take place in the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg), depending on the preparation period provided by the organization.

“He might face Weidman at 93kg. (light heavyweight), or anyone weighing 93kg, depending on how much time we have to prepare. If not, he will fight at 84kg.”, stated Kawa.

Former middleweight champion, Weidman has not played since October last year, when he decided to test himself in the top division and ended up beaten by Dominick reyes by knockout in the first round.

Romero, in turn, recently challenged for the middleweight belt. Even coming off two consecutive defeats, the Cuban was chosen as his opponent. Israel adesanya for the Nigerian's first title defense. Yoel was defeated by unanimous decision by the judges in a fight highly criticized by fans of the sport.