'Good luck, Bellator': Dana White reacts to Yoel Romero's 'typical' promotional debut

LAS VEGAS – UFC president Dana White may not have seen Yoel Romero’s Bellator debut, but he definitely heard about it.

Romero (13-6 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) faced fellow ex-UFC fighter Phil Davis in the main event of Bellator 266 this past Saturday, where his promotional debut was spoiled by the former light heavyweight champion.

It wasn’t Romero’s best showing, as the 44-year-old was hesitant to throw, just like he was in his UFC 248 title bout against middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. Davis ultimately won the fight by split decision, but an upset Romero was perplexed when the fight was over, as he appeared to think his headliner was five rounds instead of three.

“I didn’t see it,” White told MMA Junkie and other reporters in attendance at the UFC Apex following Tuesday’s Dana White’s Contender Series 40 event. “I didn’t see the fight – I heard that Romero thought it was three rounds and not five. This is all typical Romero stuff. He was awesome to deal with, awesome. He’s a nice guy, I like him. I’m not saying anything bad about him, but yeah, good luck Bellator.”

Dana White isn't shocked Yoel Romero thought his Bellator debut was 5 rounds.

"This is all typical Romero stuff. … Good luck, Bellator."#DWCS | Full video: https://t.co/Cvwq8mE6Zn pic.twitter.com/XBQmem942r

— MMA Junkie (@MMAjunkie) September 22, 2021

A multiple-time title challenger, Romero was released by the UFC in December despite having three fights remaining on his contract. Considering that Romero had just challenged Adesanya for the title in what would be his final fight in the octagon, the decision took many – including Romero – by surprise. “The Soldier of God” has now lost four straight.