The “Soldier of God” has arrived in Miami. Tonight, Friday, May 1, 2026, the legendary Yoel Romero (16-7 MMA) makes his highly anticipated debut for Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA. In a dramatic turn of events, Romero faces the heavy-hitting Alex “The Spartan” Nicholson in a light heavyweight main event after Hector Lombard was forced to withdraw.
Broadcasting live from the Kaseya Center in Miami, this event features elite-level MMA fighters competing under unified rules—but without the gloves.
The Main Event: Age vs. Activity
At 49 years old, Yoel Romero continues to defy the laws of physics. Following a successful run in Bellator, Romero is looking to cement his legacy in the most brutal form of the sport. His explosive wrestling and one-punch knockout power remain a terrifying threat to anyone in the division.
Alex Nicholson (18-10) is no stranger to the “Old Guard.” A veteran of the UFC and PFL, Nicholson has built a reputation for taking on legendary fighters, recently securing wins over several combat sports veterans. Stepping in on just a few days’ notice, Nicholson aims to pull off a massive upset in the “305.”
Tale of the Tape
| Feature | Yoel Romero | Alex Nicholson |
| Record | 16-7 | 18-10 |
| Age | 49 | 35 |
| Nickname | Soldier of God | The Spartan |
| Last Fight | Win vs. Thiago Santos | Win vs. Chase Gormley |
Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA: Full Fight Card
Jorge Masvidal has assembled a “stacked” card of UFC and Strikeforce veterans for the Miami crowd:
- Main Event: Yoel Romero vs. Alex Nicholson – Light Heavyweight
- Co-Main Event: Randy Costa vs. Brandon Jenkins – Bantamweight
- Heavyweight: Maurice Greene vs. Guto Inocente
- Lightweight: Charles Bennett vs. Peter Barrett
- Welterweight: Jesse Ronson vs. Curtis Millender
How to Watch & Stream
The event is available globally through several digital platforms.
- Live Stream: Available for free on the Gamebred Promotions YouTube Channel and Facebook Page.
- PPV/Premium: Detailed coverage and high-definition streams are available via DraftKings Network and select sports betting apps.
- Time: The main card kicks off at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT.
Live from Miami: Jorge Masvidal confirmed via Instagram that despite the late opponent change, the energy in Miami is at an all-time high. “The Soldier of God is ready for war, and Nicholson stepped up like a true savage,” Masvidal told fans during yesterday’s weigh-ins.
Final Betting Odds
- Yoel Romero: -250 (Favorite)
- Alex Nicholson: +200 (Underdog)
With both men known for finishing fights early, the oddsmakers do not expect this one to reach the judges’ scorecards. Expect fireworks in the main event as bareknuckle MMA takes over Miami tonight!
