Yoel Romero is not fighting the result—he’s fighting for it to be looked at again.
After a controversial defeat to Vagab Vagabov in the IBA 4 bare-knuckle main event in St. Petersburg, Russia, Romero has publicly supported the decision to formally review the outcome.
The bout ended with Vagabov being awarded a decision after five rounds, despite Romero scoring a clear knockdown during the fight. The verdict immediately drew loud boos from the crowd, with fans visibly rejecting the official result.
IBA opens review after public backlash
Following the controversy, IBA president Umar Kremlev confirmed that the fight will undergo review by a special commission.
The governing body is now examining whether the decision stands—or if it will be overturned entirely, an unusual move in a combat sports main event.
Yoel Romero gets a knockdown in his Bare-Knuckle bout 👀 pic.twitter.com/vCoul4i7wf
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 28, 2026
Jon Jones just got called out by a bare knuckle fighter after he beat Yoel Romero 😂
“I would love to fight bare knuckle, but not these two animals. No, no, no, no. I’m good.” pic.twitter.com/PF1HaWAcxC
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) March 28, 2026
Roel Romero reacts to IBA President Umar Kremlev’s decision to reconsider the result of his fight with Vagab Vagabov at the IBA Bare Knuckle event in St. Petersburg, Russia. It was announced on Sunday that the bout will be reviewed by an independent judging commission amid… pic.twitter.com/0ABKTgGm29
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 29, 2026
Romero has backed that process without hesitation.
Romero: “Nobody is happy except them”
Speaking to Red Corner MMA, Romero did not hide his frustration with the outcome, arguing that the reaction inside and outside the arena speaks for itself.
“About the decision, about the fight, nobody stay happy,” Romero told Red Corner MMA. “I think the only people who stay happy about the decision is my opponent and his team. The president is making the right choice with that, that’s protecting the image of the company and not tainting their legacy and the sport.”
He stated that only Vagabov and his team appeared satisfied with the decision, while essentially describing widespread disagreement from everyone else involved or watching.
Romero also emphasized that a review is not just justified—but necessary to protect the credibility of the promotion and the sport itself.
His stance was direct: the result should not be allowed to stand unexamined if it damages the integrity of the event.
Romero (16-7) has remained active across multiple disciplines since stepping away from MMA, competing in bare-knuckle boxing, Dirty Boxing, and wrestling.
Most recently, he came off a wrestling loss to Stephen Buchanan before returning to striking competition in this IBA headliner.
Even at 48, Romero continues to compete at a high level, but this latest result has now shifted focus away from performance and onto officiating controversy.
