Report: Romero vs. Costa slated to headline UFC Miami

Bloodyelbow.com

A pivotal middleweight clash is expected to headline the UFC’s long-awaited return to The Magic City.

Former title challenger Yoel Romero meets Paulo Costa in the main event of UFC on EPSN 3, which takes place April 27 at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami. Brazilian outlet Combate reported the news Tuesday afternoon — just hours after reporting that the promotion was returning to Miami. UFC officials have not yet confirmed the pairing.

Romero and Costa were first expected to meet at November’s UFC 230, but “The Soldier of God” was unable to make the date due to an injury. Then the bout was targeted for this past weekend’s UFC on ESPN+ 1 in Brooklyn, but “The Eraser” suffered an injury.

Romero is coming off a close decision loss to champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 225 in June. Whittaker vs. Romero 2 was scheduled as a title fight, but Romero missed weight, so therefore Whittaker’s belt was not up for grabs. The fight is considered to be one of 2018’s best fights. Prior to it, Romero knocked out former champ Luke Rockhold — the interim title was supposed to be on the line for both fighters, but again, Romero missed weight.

Costa last defeated Uriah Hall via second-round knockout at UFC 226 in July. Before that, he stopped Johny Hendricks with strikes, a win most would consider the biggest on his resume. Hendricks is a former UFC welterweight champion and nearly beat MMA great Georges St-Pierre in 2013.