In the 221 main event, the UFC’s #1 middleweight Yoel Romero iced the #2 ranked former champ Luke Rockhold in the 3rd round. It should be noted that Romero was unable to make the weight requirements for the 185 pound division, so he did not win the interim middleweight title. The opening round saw the former champ execute a kicking attack, to which Romero responded by throwing some leg kicks of his own. Romero came out like a man possessed to open the 2nd frame, blitzing Rockhold backwards and connecting with some thunder. It was the 3rd round that saw a bodacious jab jab cross that put Rockhold down, followed by a ground strike for good measure to seal the deal. Wowsers, what a win for Romero!
Check out Mookie Alexander’s play-by-play of Yoel Romero’s nuking of Luke Rockhold:
Round 3 - Rockhold begins the midway point of this title fight with more jabbing, which looks to be his best weapon. He follows the jab with a leg kick. Rockhold continues to find a home for that jab from southpaw stance. Romero jabs to the midsection and then leaps into a right hook that doesn’t land. Big left hand by Romero and Rockhold goes down! Next left hand Romero throws knocks Rockhold completely out! Third Round Romero strikes again!
Official result - Yoel Romero def. Luke Rockhold by KO (punches) at 1:48 of round 3, but doesn’t win the interim middleweight title due to missing weight
The explosiveness of Romero is 2nd to none:
Romero charges at Rockhold with punches across the Octagon! @YoelRomeroMMA coming out swinging in round 2! #UFC221 pic.twitter.com/J4w5kQpRvB
— UFC (@ufc) February 11, 2018
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