Yoel Romero to Headline DBX 1 Against Towering Heavyweight Ras Hylton

Former UFC middleweight title challenger Yoel Romero is set to make his second appearance in Dirty Boxing Championship (DBX) against heavyweight Ras Hylton. The bout will headline DBX 1, scheduled for March 22 at The Hangar at Regatta Harbour in Miami, marking the official launch of this innovative combat sports promotion.

The wait is over— DBX 1 is here! After a private showcase, we’re bringing the most intense combat sport to a LIVE audience for the first time!

🔥 Yoel Romero headlines in a brutal showdown against Hylton
📍 March 22 | The Hangar at Regatta Harbour | Miami, FL
🎥 Streaming LIVE… pic.twitter.com/J8RnoS19gH

— Dirty Boxing Championship (@DirtyBoxing_) March 5, 2025

The Ageless Wonder Returns

At 47 years old, Yoel Romero continues to defy Father Time, showcasing his exceptional athleticism and explosive power across multiple combat sports disciplines. The Cuban-born fighter, affectionately known as “The Soldier of God,” is coming off a successful 2024 campaign that saw him secure two impressive victories.

Romero’s most recent outing was at DBX’s pilot event in November, where he dispatched Power Slap competitor Duane Crespo via a first-round knockout. This victory followed a unanimous decision win over Thiago Santos in a PFL bout last February, demonstrating Romero’s versatility and enduring competitiveness.

i’m so glad they’re showing it live this time

YOEL ROMERO IS BACK
pic.twitter.com/n7U6nUfiII https://t.co/KtFXRVCpMC

— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) March 5, 2025

The former Olympic silver medalist wrestler has long been a fan favorite, known for his freakish athleticism, devastating knockout power, and seemingly ageless physique. His transition to DBX represents yet another chapter in his storied career, which has seen him compete at the highest levels of MMA in promotions such as the UFC and Bellator.

David vs. Goliath: A Clash of Sizes

Romero’s opponent, Ras Hylton, presents a unique challenge. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 6 inches, Hylton will tower over Romero, giving the Cuban fighter a significant six-inch height disadvantage. This size discrepancy adds an intriguing element to the matchup, as Romero will need to navigate his way past Hylton’s reach to land his signature explosive strikes.

Hylton, 37, brings a wealth of experience to the ring, boasting a 10-8 professional MMA record with stints in notable promotions like Bellator and PFL. However, the Maine-based heavyweight hasn’t competed since September 2023, when he suffered his second knockout loss in three fights. This layoff and recent form could play a factor in the bout, especially against a fighter of Romero’s caliber.

The matchup between Romero and Hylton exemplifies DBX’s commitment to creating compelling and unconventional fights. By pitting the smaller, more explosive Romero against the towering Hylton, DBX is setting the stage for a classic David vs. Goliath scenario that is sure to captivate fans.

DBX 1 marks a significant milestone for the fledgling promotion. After a successful pilot event in November, this will be the first time Dirty Boxing presents its unique brand of combat sports to a live audience. The event will be streamed live and free on YouTube and various social media networks, making it easily accessible to fight fans worldwide.

The promotion’s hybrid ruleset adds another layer of intrigue to the Romero vs. Hylton clash. Fighters compete in three three-minute rounds using four-ounce gloves inside a ring. While primarily a striking contest, the rules allow for ground-and-pound as long as the striker remains standing on both feet. This format could play to Romero’s strengths, allowing him to utilize his wrestling background to control the fight while still showcasing his devastating striking.

As DBX prepares for its hard launch, the selection of Romero as the headliner speaks volumes about the promotion’s ambitions. By featuring a well-known, exciting fighter like Romero in their main event, DBX is clearly aiming to make a splash in the crowded combat sports landscape.

The March 22 event at The Hangar at Regatta Harbour in Miami is shaping up to be a must-watch for MMA and combat sports enthusiasts. With Yoel Romero leading the charge against a physically imposing opponent in Ras Hylton, DBX 1 promises to deliver the kind of high-octane action that fans crave.

As the combat sports world turns its attention to this intriguing matchup, many questions remain. Can Romero continue to perform at an elite level despite his advanced age? Will Hylton’s size advantage prove too much for the Cuban fighter to overcome? And how will the unique ruleset of Dirty Boxing impact the strategies of both competitors?

One thing is certain: when Yoel Romero steps into the ring on March 22, fight fans will be tuning in to witness another chapter in the remarkable career of one of combat sports’ most enduring and explosive athletes.