Yoel Romero on cardio doubts: Ask Robert Whittaker how he felt in the later rounds

Yoel Romero has answered those who question his cardio in the Octagon.

With his large, shredded, muscular physique, it’s a common criticism that Romero lacks the stamina to fight for five rounds. Funnily enough, five of his six finishes in the UFC have taken place in the third round, a stat that wouldn’t imply the Olympic silver medalist fades at all.

The Cuban will get a second chance at interim middleweight gold this weekend, when he takes on Luke Rockhold in the main event of UFC 221 in Perth, Australia. Speaking to Submission Radio at the open workouts on Friday, Romero addressed questions regarding his cardio.

“People’s opinions, you’ve got to respect them, if people think that I don’t have five-round cardio, ask Robert (Whittaker) how he felt when he was fighting me in the later rounds. He’s a very tough man, I applaud him, my hat off to him. He’s got a lot of talent, he’s the champion now for a reason.” (Transcription by MMA Fighting)

Romero (12-2) last fought at UFC 213 in July 2017, when he lost a five-round decision against Robert Whittaker. The “Soldier of God” continued to discuss his cardio, and stated there’s a reason why he’s ranked at the top at 185-pounds.

“But look at my age. Look at my form. Do I have cardio or do I not have cardio? If I’m number one in the world, it’s for a reason. People can talk about the cardio all they want, but the results show it. So people behind me, they have to have really, really bad cardio also.”

Romero also treated some fans at the open workouts to a salsa dance lesson on stage. Not bad moves for a 40-year-old.