UFC Legends Yoel Romero and Hector Lombard to Clash in Bare-Knuckle Fight

The two former champions will meet in the main event of Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA's next event in Miami.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:12pm

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An abstract, neon-colored expressionist painting depicting two muscular, faceless figures engaged in a fierce bare-knuckle boxing match, with vibrant brushstrokes and splatters of paint capturing the raw energy and intensity of the fight.The upcoming bare-knuckle boxing clash between UFC legends Yoel Romero and Hector Lombard promises to be a high-octane, no-holds-barred battle between two seasoned combat sports veterans.Today in Miami

Yoel Romero, the 47-year-old former UFC title contender, is set to take on fellow MMA veteran Hector Lombard in the main event of Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA's upcoming event in Miami on May 1. Both fighters have competed across various combat sports promotions in recent years, including Bellator, PFL, and bare-knuckle boxing.

Why it matters

The matchup between Romero and Lombard pits two legendary UFC fighters against each other in a bare-knuckle boxing match, which is sure to generate significant interest from combat sports fans. As both fighters have remained active in their post-UFC careers, this bout represents a high-profile clash between two seasoned veterans.

The details

Romero, known as the 'Soldier of God', has competed in MMA, bare-knuckle boxing, and wrestling since leaving the UFC six years ago. Lombard, a former Bellator middleweight champion, has also fought under various promotions in recent years, including a successful stint in bare-knuckle boxing where he scored a win under the Gamebred banner in 2023.

  • The Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA event featuring Romero vs. Lombard will take place on May 1, 2026.
  • Lombard's last bout was a 19-second knockout loss in a Dirty Boxing match.

The players

Yoel Romero

A 47-year-old former UFC title contender who has remained active in combat sports, competing in MMA, bare-knuckle boxing, and wrestling since leaving the UFC six years ago.

Hector Lombard

A former Bellator middleweight champion who has also fought in various promotions in recent years, including a successful stint in bare-knuckle boxing where he scored a win under the Gamebred banner in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“Yoel Romero isn't slowing down any time soon. The 47-year-old is staying active in combat sports, taking on new challenges across various promotions.”

— Harvey Leonard, Author

What’s next

The winner of the Romero vs. Lombard bout could potentially earn a high-profile fight in one of the major bare-knuckle boxing promotions, further elevating their profile in the combat sports world.

The takeaway

The matchup between Yoel Romero and Hector Lombard represents a clash of two legendary UFC fighters who have remained active in their post-UFC careers, competing across various combat sports promotions. This bare-knuckle boxing bout is sure to generate significant interest from fans and could lead to further opportunities for the winner in the growing bare-knuckle boxing landscape.