Yoel Romero showed terrifying power twelve years ago on this day. His blend of size and athleticism shocked fans and fighters alike. Commentator Joe Rogan once labeled him the freak of all freaks. Romero backed that praise with brutal performances during seven years inside the Octagon. Derek Brunson learned that lesson the hard way.
The American veteran faced Romero at a UFC Fight Night in Duluth on January 15, 2014. Brunson entered confident and aggressive. He left the cage in visibly awful condition. The fight remains one of the most violent comebacks of Romero’s career.
A Fight Night That Turned Brutal Late
That event featured Luke Rockhold’s first UFC victory. Rockhold rebounded from a loss to Vitor Belfort. He stopped Costas Phillipou with crushing body kicks. TJ Dillashaw, Brad Tavares, and Beneil Dariush also earned wins. Romero still stole the spotlight inside the Arena at Gwinnett Center.
Through two rounds, judges favored Brunson on the scorecards. Romero trailed badly and faced looming defeat. The Olympic silver medalist refused to fade. He surged forward late and changed the fight completely.
Romero’s Comeback Ends in Horror
Romero rocked Brunson with ferocious strikes on the feet. Brunson collapsed to the canvas under the pressure. Romero swarmed immediately with savage ground and pound. Blood poured as the blows landed cleanly and often.
The referee stopped the contest as damage mounted. Brunson lay badly hurt after the onslaught. Doctors later confirmed a severely broken jaw. The injury required urgent medical attention.
UFC president Dana White addressed the situation afterward. He confirmed Brunson’s hospitalization and pending surgery. White shared the update publicly and stressed the seriousness of the fracture.
A Rarely Human Moment Late in Romero’s Career
Romero recently reminded fans that he remains mortal. His 2026 campaign began with a decisive loss. Stephen Buchanan defeated him 10-0 on January 10 in Florida. The bout took place at the fifth Real American Freestyle event.
Romero had entered on a strong run across multiple combat sports. That momentum stopped suddenly and emphatically. The Cuban veteran struggled throughout the match and never found rhythm.
Romero had planned a title unification fight against prospect Bo Nickal. That matchup collapsed after Romero missed weight by seven pounds. The 48-year-old now prepares for his next challenge. He will return to bare-knuckle boxing against Lorenzo Hunt. The fight headlines BKFC Knucklemania 6 on February 7.
