LAS VEGAS – Yoel Romero is living the dream.
The longtime middleweight contender challenges for the title Saturday night when he takes on champion Israel Adesanya (18-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) in the UFC 248 main event. Despite having many accolades and world-class skills, many didn’t expect Romero (13-4 MMA, 9-3 UFC) to get the next crack at the champ since he was coming off a controversial split decision loss to Paulo Costa.
Yet against a negative result, Romero is challenging for gold once again.
“I’m a man of faith, and when you’re a man of faith, everything is possible,” Romero told MMA Junkie at a Thursday media day in Las Vegas.
Romero said he’s grateful for the opportunity to fight Adesanya, and gives thanks to God for the chance.
“It’s a pleasure, and I have to give thanks to God for giving me that opportunity,” Romero said. “It’s a pleasure getting to do what my heart desires. And not being the best human being in the world, he’s allowed me to achieve my dreams.”
As far as the matchup itself, many are excited to see the champ get tested against whom many consider the boogeyman of the division. Romero is happy to be seen under that light, given his physical abilities.
“A lot of people view it that way, and I’m very proud and happy that people view it that way,” Romero said.
The 42-year-old Cuban fighter understands he has a big fight ahead, but doesn’t consider it more important than any of his previous fights.
“I feel very good. A lot of good friends from Italy have come to help me out, and that makes me feel great,” Romero said. “It makes you feel important, and I’m humbled. There’s people that love you without them telling you every day, and those types of things make you feel alive.
“It’s not just one fight – every fight is very important. You have to go into every event with all the disposition and optimism, because every fight is big and important.”
