Robert Whittaker vs Yoel Romero remains UFC 225 main event after weigh-in controversy

In today’s MMA world, the excitement or…disappointment often starts with the weigh-ins. And today was no different.

Initially, one half of the main event’s title fight rematch, Yoel Romero weighed in at 186 pounds which is one pound over the 185 pound middleweight limit for championship fights.

Romero was given two hours to make the weight and according to Romero and his manager, the two hours were cut short. Therefore upon re-weigh in, Romero would end up being .2 pounds over thus putting the UFC 225 headliner into question.

However, as the ceremonial weigh-ins begun, we quickly learned that the main event would go on but just as a non-title fight. As it is still the main event, it will remain a five round fight.

Interestingly enough, TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter has now reported that Romero only wants to fight for the title and states the following.

“We just spoke to Yoel Romero who is still trying to find a way to fight for the middleweight title. He blames the commission for telling him to stop cutting weight when he still had time remaining. In Spanish, he said that he only wants to fight for the title.”

Middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker and Romero’s staredown can be seen below.

MAIN EVENT. REMATCH.

Let's run it back as @RobWhittakerMMA takes on @YoelRomeroMMA at #UFC225. pic.twitter.com/jOjb2M87Jk

— UFC (@ufc) June 8, 2018

Take a look at the rest of the night’s big-name staredowns.

Interim welterweight title fight – Colby Covington vs former UFC lightweight champion, Rafael Dos Anjos.

THIS. WILL. BE. EPIC.@RdosAnjosMMA and @ColbyCovMMA face off for the interim WW title! #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/ihraNwXQHx

— UFC (@ufc) June 8, 2018

The first-ever UFC female featherweight non-title fight – former UFC bantamweight champion, Holly Holm vs former Invicta featherweight champion, Megan Anderson.

Definitely one to keep your eye on!@HollyHolm clashes with the debuting @MeganA_MMA. #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/aXZt1zrt0Z

— UFC (@ufc) June 8, 2018

Heavyweight legend and former UFC champion, Andrei Arlovski vs rising prospect, Tai Tuivasa.

https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1005227798166888448

Mike Jackson vs former WWE star, Phil ‘CM Punk’ Brooks

https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1005227463729823745

Prelim headliner – Alistair Overeem vs Curtis Blaydes

HWs close out the @FS1 Prelims!@AlistairOvereem faces Chicago native @RazorBlaydes265 at #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/lpAYmUroOo

— UFC (@ufc) June 8, 2018

A fight years in the making between top strawweights – Claudia Gadelha vs inaugural UFC and Invicta champion, Carla Esparza.

https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1005226684755292160

Former featherweight title challenger, Ricardo Lamas vs hot prospect, Mirsad Bektic.

Another tough featherweight matchup!@RicardoLamasMMA takes on @MirsadBekticMMA at #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/w2IibRZZfs

— UFC (@ufc) June 8, 2018

Light heavyweight legend and former UFC champion, Rashad Evans vs Anthony Smith.

LHW bout closes us out on @UFCFightPass!

It’s @SugaRashadEvans vs @LionheartSmith at #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/JSwr8XsHfL

— UFC (@ufc) June 8, 2018

UFC veteran and Chicago’s own, Clay Guida vs submission specialist, Charles Oliveira.

The Carpenter returns home!!

Can @ClayGuida get the win or will Charles Oliveira spoil his homecoming? #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/p9mDxdhTsM

— UFC (@ufc) June 8, 2018

Returning top flyweight contender, Joseph Benavidez vs Sergio Pettis.

Top flyweight contenders coming up!@JoeJitsu squares off against @SergioPettis #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/vnfNe4HG4w

— UFC (@ufc) June 8, 2018

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 6/8/2018.