Dana backs down and could hold a duel between Adesanya and Romero: 'Israel wants the fight and I respect that'

D. White at a press conference. Photo: Related/YouTube UFC

A statement from Dana White, president of Ultimate, could change the course of the middleweight division (up to 83,9kg). Currently without an opponent, Israel adesanya may have an order placed by the company, if Yoel romero be confirmed as the Nigerian's next opponent. In an interview with 'Yahoo Sports', the president seems to have retreated from holding the fight, considering the personal request of one of his biggest current stars.

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“He (Adesanya) wants (Yoel) Romero and I respect that,” declared the boss.

One of the arguments used by Dana to minimize the chances of the meeting at first is Romero's recent results. When analyzing the numbers, Yoel was defeated in three of his last four commitments.

However, it must be considered that two of the three defeats came in dispute for the division title, both to Robert whittaker, former champion.

In his last commitment, Romero had a great challenge ahead of him. The athlete faced the promising Paulo borrachinha, in a fight that would put the winner in direct conditions to face the owner of the linear belt. In a controversial result for some, Yoel ended up being defeated by the Brazilian and ended up being ruled out, at first, from a possible chance to play for the belt.

The light at the end of the tunnel for Yoel, however, came when a biceps injury ruled Borrachinha out of official fights until April 2020. The incident opened up the possibility for Romero or another title contender to stage a fight against Israel adesanya while the miner is not in a position to present himself.

At 42 years old, with 17 fights, 13 wins and four losses in his career, Romero is considered one of the most dangerous athletes in the organization. With impressive physical strength, stamina and knockout capabilities, the fighter is always considered a risky commitment for anyone who chooses to share the octagon with him.

So far, Ultimate's plans for Adesanya remain undefined. Meanwhile, there are challengers like Romero (3rd), Jared Cannonier (4th) and, more recently, Darren till (5th), wait for the UFC to take a definitive step.

Dana White told Iole of Yahoo Sports he is going to work on making Adesanya/Romero. “He wants Romero and I respect that”

- Jed I. Goodman (@jedigoodman) November 11, 2019