UFC middleweight Yoel Romero put on a fight of the year contender back at UFC 225. However, it would appear that the fighter’s corner nearly threw in the towel during the match up.
The “Soldier of God” went toe-to-toe with reigning UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in a non-title fight rematch for the main event of UFC 225 on June 9. Romero missed weight for the match up, making the fighter no longer eligible to compete for the title.
Still, the two mixed martial artists put on an octagon war that ultimately went the distance. In the end, Whittaker earned a split decision victory over his opponent.
Speaking to portaldovaletudo.uol.com, American Top Team coach Conan Silveira revealed that cornerman Jorge Masvidal made a comment concerning throwing in the towel just before the final round.
“…. it was a comment made by Masvidal who was in Romero’s corner. They noticed that Romero was exhausted and that he wasn´t really listening to anybody or paying attention, that’s when Masvidal told him “my friend, it´s only 5 more minutes, but if you continue this way, I´m gonna throw in the towel.” When Romero heard the word towel, he stood up quickly, took a deep breath, walked around and then he was better and put that final pressure.”
