Yoel Romero No Longer Fighting Paulo Costa at UFC 230

Yoel Romero wants to fight but he’s going to have to wait a little longer to make his return.

The former two-time title contender was scheduled to meet Brazilian slugger Paulo Costa at UFC 230 in New York but Romero will be unable to compete on the card.

Following his most recent fight against middleweight champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 225 in June, Romero suffered a broken orbital bone that required surgery and enough recovery time that will prevent him from competing as early as November.

Sources close to the fight stated just recently that Romero’s status ahead of UFC 230 was in question and the Cuban born athlete confirmed that news when speaking to ESPN on Monday.

“Maybe four or five months,” Romero said about his timeline to return. “The doctor said, ‘Yoel needs more time.’ You know me. If you give me somebody, I take it. But you need to be smart. When the doctor says, ‘You’re ready,’ you can go. I’m waiting.”

While the timing is obviously disappointing for Romero, he sounded more than happy to face Costa once he’s healthy and ready to fight again.

Romero also just recently inked a new multi-fight contract with the UFC that will likely be the last of his career as the 41-year old competitor is still considered one of the best middleweights in the world.

There’s been no official word from the UFC on Romero being pulled from the card or if they promotion will attempt to secure a replacement to face Costa in November.