Yoel Romero delivered one of the most frightening performances of his career twelve years ago. His power and athleticism overwhelmed opponents for years. Commentator Joe Rogan once described him as the ultimate physical anomaly. Romero justified that reputation throughout a seven-year UFC run. Derek Brunson experienced the damage firsthand.
Brunson met Romero at a UFC Fight Night in Duluth on January 15, 2014. The American entered the bout confident and composed. He left the Octagon badly hurt and visibly shaken. The fight still stands as a brutal chapter in both careers.
A Night of Big Names and Bigger Violence
The card marked Luke Rockhold’s first UFC victory. Rockhold rebounded from a loss to Vitor Belfort. He stopped Costas Phillipou with punishing body kicks. TJ Dillashaw, Brad Tavares, and Beneil Dariush also picked up wins. Romero still dominated headlines with his late explosion.
Brunson controlled much of the fight early. Judges favored him after two rounds. Romero trailed on the cards and faced likely defeat. The Olympic silver medalist refused to accept the outcome. He waited for the opening and attacked with ruthless intent.
A Sudden Turn Ends the Fight in Devastation
Romero stunned Brunson with crushing strikes on the feet. Brunson collapsed under the pressure. Romero followed immediately to the ground. He unleashed savage ground and pound without hesitation. The sequence left Brunson bloodied and defenseless.
The referee stepped in to stop the contest. Brunson remained down and clearly injured. Medical staff later confirmed a serious jaw fracture. The damage required immediate hospitalization.
UFC president Dana White later addressed the situation publicly. He confirmed Brunson suffered a fractured jaw. White stated surgeons prepared to operate. The update underlined the severity of Romero’s attack.
A Harsh Reminder Late in Romero’s Journey
Romero recently suffered a rare and decisive defeat. His 2026 began with a lopsided loss in Florida. Stephen Buchanan shut him out 10-0 at the fifth Real American Freestyle event. The result stunned many longtime fans.
Romero had enjoyed success across several combat sports. That momentum ended abruptly. He struggled throughout the match and failed to mount offense. Observers saw a vulnerable side rarely exposed.
Romero had planned a title unification bout against prospect Bo Nickal. That fight collapsed after Romero missed weight by seven pounds. The 48-year-old now looks ahead quickly. He returns to bare-knuckle boxing next. Romero faces Lorenzo Hunt at BKFC Knucklemania 6 on February 7.
