Yoel Romero signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator and was expected to make his promotional debut earlier this year against Anthony Johnson in the opening round of the Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix tournament. That would not happen as the 44-year-old did not receive medical clearance to compete due to an eye injury.
Romero has experienced eye injuries before, but details on this one were scarce until now. Speaking to Danny Segura of MMA Junkie, the ‘Soldier of God’ explained that he was poked in his left eye during a sparring session ahead of his fight with Johnson.