Yoel Romero, known as the “Soldier of God,” is a formidable force in the world of mixed martial arts.
With his explosive power, Olympic wrestling background, and seemingly ageless physique, Romero has captivated fans and opponents alike. Let’s dive into the life and career of this extraordinary athlete.
Yoel Romero’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yoel Romero Palacio |
| Nickname | Soldier of God |
| Born | April 30, 1977 |
| Age | 47 |
| Nationality | Cuban |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2009 |
| Net Worth | $10 million (estimated) |
| @yoelromeromma |
Yoel Romero was born in Pinar del Río, Cuba, where he began his athletic journey as a wrestler.
He comes from a family of fighters, with his younger brother Yoan Pablo Hernández being a former IBF Cruiserweight Champion in professional boxing.
Early Career
Romero’s athletic prowess was evident from a young age. He started training in wrestling in the 1990s and quickly rose through the ranks to represent Cuba at the senior level in international competitions.
His early career highlights include winning gold at the 1999 World Wrestling Championships, defeating the 1996 Olympic gold medalist Khadzhimurad Magomedov of Russia.
Romero also secured a silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in freestyle wrestling, showcasing his exceptional talent on the global stage.
Professional Career
Yoel Romero’s transition to mixed martial arts began after defecting to Germany in 2007.
He made his professional MMA debut in December 2009, quickly amassing an impressive record of 5-0 in various promotions across Germany and Poland.
In 2011, Romero signed with Strikeforce but faced a setback in his promotional debut against Rafael Cavalcante. However, this loss only fueled his determination.
After recovering from a neck injury, Romero joined the UFC in 2013, where he truly began to make his mark in the world of MMA.
His UFC career has been nothing short of spectacular, with notable victories over top-ranked opponents and multiple performance bonuses.
Yoel Romero’s Net Worth Details
Yoel Romero’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million as of 2025. This impressive figure is a testament to his successful career in both wrestling and mixed martial arts.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 213 | Robert Whittaker | $350,000 |
| UFC 248 | Israel Adesanya | $350,000 |
| Bellator 266 | Phil Davis | $150,000 |
Endorsements
- Dioxyme (Fort Myers-based supplement company)
- Nike
- Reebok (during UFC’s partnership)
- Monster Energy
Career Stats
| Opponent | Result | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Whittaker | Loss | UFC 213 | July 8, 2017 |
| Paulo Costa | Loss | UFC 241 | August 17, 2019 |
| Israel Adesanya | Loss | UFC 248 | March 7, 2020 |
| Phil Davis | Loss | Bellator 266 | September 18, 2021 |
| Melvin Manhoef | Win | Bellator 285 | September 23, 2022 |
| Vadim Nemkov | Loss | Bellator 297 | June 16, 2023 |
FAQs
1. What is Yoel Romero’s background in wrestling?
Yoel Romero was a world-class freestyle wrestler, winning a silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, gold at the 1999 World Wrestling Championships, and multiple medals in other international competitions.
2. When did Yoel Romero transition to MMA?
Yoel Romero transitioned to MMA in 2009, making his professional debut in December of that year.
3. What is Yoel Romero’s nickname?
Yoel Romero’s nickname is “Soldier of God.”
4. How many times has Yoel Romero competed for a UFC title?
Yoel Romero has competed for a UFC title multiple times, including fights for the interim and undisputed UFC Middleweight Championship, but has not won a UFC title.
5. What is Yoel Romero’s current fighting organization?
Yoel Romero is competing in the Global Fight League, having left Bellator MMA in January 2025.
6. What is Yoel Romero’s estimated net worth?
Yoel Romero’s estimated net worth is approximately $10 million.
7. What is Yoel Romero’s most famous fight?
While opinions may vary, many consider Romero’s second fight against Robert Whittaker at UFC 225 to be one of his most memorable performances.
8. Has Yoel Romero ever failed a drug test?
In 2016, Romero tested positive for a prohibited substance but was later cleared of intentional use after it was determined to be the result of a contaminated supplement.
9. What is Yoel Romero’s fighting style?
Yoel Romero’s fighting style is a unique blend of his world-class wrestling background and explosive striking, known for powerful takedowns and devastating knockout power.
10. What is Yoel Romero’s family background?
Yoel Romero has a younger brother, Yoan Pablo Hernández, who was an IBF Cruiserweight Champion in professional boxing. Romero is married and has three children.
