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New Bellator Signee Yoel Romero Caught Off Guard by UFC Release

Though he was on a three-bout losing streak, Yoel Romero didn’t expect to receive his walking papers from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

In a recent interview with ESPN, Romero said his release from the Las Vegas-based promotion was “completely unexpected.” The Olympic Silver medalist was coming off decision loss to Israel Adesanya in a title bout at UFC 248, a matchup that came at the request of the middleweight champion.

“The Soldier of God” was looking forward to facing another highly-ranked opponent in the Octagon — either at middleweight or light heavyweight — in hopes making of another run at championship gold.