Yoel Romero Shocks with His Opinion on Khamzat Chimaev: A Dream Match Between Two Generations of Wrestlers Could Happen Soon This Year

As the MMA world continues to evolve, there are certain dream fights that never materialize but live on in the imaginations of fans. One such intriguing matchup is between Yoel Romero—the explosive, ageless Cuban warrior—and Khamzat Chimaev, the relentless Chechen-Swedish contender rising swiftly through the UFC ranks. Recently, Romero sparked discussions in the MMA community when he shared his belief that he would have provided a serious challenge to Chimaev had he still been competing in the UFC.

Yoel Romero: The Soldier of God Who Defied Age

Yoel Romero, now 47 years old, remains one of the most physically gifted and feared fighters to ever grace the octagon. Known for his terrifying explosiveness, unorthodox striking, and Olympic-level wrestling credentials, Romero competed against some of the best in the UFC middleweight division, including Robert Whittaker, Israel Adesanya, Paulo Costa, and Luke Rockhold.

Despite his age, Romero has continued to defy expectations. After leaving the UFC, he transitioned to Bellator and then to other global promotions, still competing against high-caliber opposition. His recent comments about Chimaev were made during an interview with Submission Radio, where Romero discussed potential matchups, his thoughts on rising stars, and what could have been.

Romero on a Potential Fight with Chimaev

In his interview, Yoel Romero confidently stated that Khamzat Chimaev would have been a “very convenient” opponent for him stylistically. “For me, it’s a very good fight,” Romero said. “Chimaev is a very convenient opponent for me, considering our styles. Believe me, we would have had a very good fight. I have no doubt about that.”

Romero’s assertion reignited fan interest in hypothetical scenarios, especially considering both fighters’ elite wrestling pedigrees and aggressive approaches inside the cage. While Chimaev has quickly gained attention for his ferocity and undefeated record, Romero’s experience and unique fighting style would have made for a spectacular clash.

Chimaev’s Olympic-Level Wrestling Recognized by Romero

Interestingly, Romero—a silver medalist in wrestling at the 2000 Sydney Olympics—had high praise for Khamzat Chimaev’s wrestling skills. He acknowledged that Chimaev’s grappling prowess was reminiscent of the kind of elite training Romero himself received under the guidance of legendary Russian wrestlers like the Saitiev brothers.

“There’s something special about the way Chimaev wrestles,” Romero noted. “It’s not just the technique, it’s the mindset. That’s the kind of wrestling that comes from Olympic-caliber foundations, and I respect that.”

It’s not often that Romero, known for his pride in his own wrestling lineage, praises another fighter’s grappling in such high terms. This respect further fuels speculation that a clash between them would have been one of the most technical and physical encounters in UFC history.

Romero’s Prediction for Chimaev vs. Du Plessis

In the same interview, Yoel Romero weighed in on the potential matchup between Chimaev and current middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. Romero offered his prediction with cautious optimism for Chimaev, estimating a 60-40 chance in favor of the Chechen-Swedish fighter.

“Chimaev has the tools, the wrestling, and the pressure,” Romero explained. “But Du Plessis is not someone you can overlook. He’s tough, unrelenting, and finds a way to win. Still, if I had to bet, I’d go 60-40 for Chimaev.”

Romero’s insight carries weight, especially considering his deep experience in the division and first-hand understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level. His prediction aligns with much of the current sentiment in the MMA community, which sees Chimaev as a potential future champion.

Why Romero vs. Chimaev Was a Missed Opportunity

The prospect of Yoel Romero vs. Khamzat Chimaev would have been a dream matchup for fans of technical, high-pressure MMA. Both fighters share a reputation for explosive action, incredible durability, and the ability to end fights at any moment.

From a promotional standpoint, this would have been an electrifying fight to headline a major UFC card. Chimaev’s meteoric rise and Romero’s long-standing popularity would have created a must-watch event. Unfortunately, timing was not in their favor. By the time Chimaev emerged as a serious contender in the UFC, Romero had already departed the organization.

Still, that hasn’t stopped fans and analysts from debating how such a clash would unfold. Would Romero’s experience and unorthodox striking have neutralized Chimaev’s relentless pressure? Or would Chimaev’s youth, cardio, and wrestling edge tilt the battle in his favor?

Khamzat Chimaev: The Next Big Thing in the UFC?

Chimaev’s UFC journey has been nothing short of meteoric. Bursting onto the scene in 2020, he quickly made headlines by dominating multiple opponents in rapid succession. His combination of wrestling dominance, powerful striking, and ruthless mindset has drawn comparisons to Khabib Nurmagomedov, although Chimaev has carved out a unique identity.

Despite some questions about his stamina in longer fights, Chimaev remains undefeated and has beaten seasoned veterans like Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman. With a title shot seemingly inevitable, Romero’s comments only further validate Chimaev’s reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.

The Legacy of Yoel Romero

Though no longer in the UFC, Yoel Romero’s influence on the sport remains significant. His wars with top contenders, highlight-reel knockouts, and larger-than-life persona have cemented his status as a legend of the game. Even at 47, he continues to fight and entertain, reminding fans that age is just a number when you’re fueled by passion and discipline.

Romero’s willingness to challenge younger fighters and his desire to test himself against the best is a testament to his warrior spirit. His comments on Chimaev are not just hypotheticals—they represent the kind of competitive fire that defines true champions.

What Could Have Been: A Dream Still Alive in Fan Debates

Although the window for this matchup may have closed, the discussion surrounding Yoel Romero vs. Khamzat Chimaev lives on. It’s a classic case of styles making fights—Romero’s unorthodox timing and wrestling explosiveness against Chimaev’s relentless pressure and suffocating grappling.

Even now, debates rage on forums, social media, and podcasts: who would have emerged victorious? Would Romero’s experience and trickery frustrate the younger Chimaev? Or would Chimaev’s intensity and physicality prove too much, even for a seasoned veteran?

While we may never know the answer, the mere possibility of this fight continues to intrigue fans and experts alike.

Final Thoughts: Respect Between Warriors

Perhaps the most compelling part of this story is the mutual respect. In a sport often fueled by trash talk and hype, Romero’s comments about Khamzat Chimaev stand out for their sincerity. He sees in Chimaev a younger version of himself—hungry, powerful, and guided by a wrestling-first mentality.

Romero didn’t speak out to call for attention or stir controversy. He simply reflected on what could have been and recognized the talent in front of him. That level of sportsmanship and humility is rare and deserving of praise.

As Chimaev continues his journey toward UFC gold and Romero extends his legacy in other promotions, fans will always wonder what might have happened if the two had met in the Octagon. For now, we can only imagine—and that’s sometimes the beauty of sports.

The fantasy matchup between these two warriors may never come to pass, but it will forever remain etched in the minds of fight fans as a tantalizing “what if” that could have defined an era.