Beloved former UFC title challenger to make surprise return tonight on secret Miami fight card

Former UFC title contender Yoel Romero makes a surprise return to action tonight at a secret event in Miami.

The iconic former middleweight remains one of the most popular fighters even today, despite a stop-start several years after leaving the sport's top promotion. He last fought for UFC gold against Israel Adesanya in 2020 before moving to Bellator.

Now he has moved up to heavyweight, where he will make his return tonight under Mike Perry's new 'Dirty Boxing' rules. The fight will be part of an underground event in Florida, which will be broadcast afterwards.

Yoel Romero returns to the Dirty Boxing fight card tonight

It's been the best part of a year since Yoel Romero last competed in MMA, defeating Thiago Santos at the PFL vs Bellator event in Riyadh in February. Since then, he was supposed to have a wrestling match, which was canceled, and he is now making his 'Dirty Boxing' debut.

Now he faces Power Slap star Duane Crespo Jr. in the main attraction of a private event in Miami. He'll be at heavyweight for the first time, with the pair agreeing to a 225-pound limit for their showdown.

Romero weighed in yesterday before facing Crespo, with the pair looking noticeably different in their body shapes. The 47-year-old still looks completely shredded, even 40 pounds above his challenging title weight, while his rival cuts a doughier figure.

There are expected to be 500 guests in attendance tonight, with a number of other veterans from major promotions also set to perform. PFL tournament contender Solomon Renfro is another big name, involving a host of former ONE Championship and Bellator fighters.

Mike Perry debuts a new boxing style at a secret event in Miami

The new 'Dirty Boxing' championship was launched by Mike Perry just hours before his fight with Jake Paul this summer. They are now set to make their debut in a private show in Florida, before launching larger-scale events in the future.

Photo by Amy Kaplan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Perry holds the title of Chief Violence Officer at Dirty Boxing Championship. He is joined in the company by former Karate Combat boss Adam Kovacs, who serves as CEO, and the Kawa brothers Malki and Abe of First Round Management, as well as Josh McLean of Kanpai Labs.

The appeal of Dirty Boxing is to bring the best aspects of striking from MMA and boxing together, creating an exciting new sport. The ruleset allows for punches, elbows and ground 'n' pound in an effort to make the discipline as action-packed as possible.

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