In the main event of the UFC 225 tournament in Chicago, USA, middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in a spectacular duel defeated Yoel Romero. Initially, it was a title on the stake of the meeting, but Romero failed weigh-in, exceeding the limit by 1 pound. At any outcome of the battle, the belt would remain in Whittaker's hands.
Romero decided to give the initiative in the starting rounds, mindful of the outcome of their first fight and a 14-year age difference. Whittaker successfully led the duel in the first five minutes, demonstrating to the public all the beauty and variety of his hitting equipment. By the end of the second round hematoma appeared on the eye of the Cuban and it seemed that everything was heading for a confident victory of the champion.
However, Romero did not give up, showing a character and an incredible will to win. In the third round, the Cuban managed to cut down his counterpart with a heavy right overhead, but he did not manage to finish him. Whittaker with great effort has withstood a serious onslaught.
In the fourth five-minute session, Whittaker successfully replayed his opponent in the rack, but in the last seconds Romero again managed to seriously shock the champion, but the bell prevented the development of success. In the final five-minute Cuban once again managed to send an Australian opponent to the floor, but he failed to get a stoppage victory that evening and the fight reached the final bell.
The winner was Robert Whittaker by a split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47).
Watch the highlights of the battle:
