Bummer.
Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA returns this week (Fri., May 1, 2026), but it’s lost its all-Cuban main event. Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and BKFC fighter Hector Lombard has withdrawn from his scheduled clash against Yoel Romero.
According to Lombard, the issue came down to preparation time.
“I see a lot of bad energy,” Lombard said on Instagram. “I didn’t have enough time. Maybe a week and a half of training — I most respect the game. For many years I haven’t respected
the game, but I gotta respect the game from now on. I need the proper training and proper time…I must be prepared.”
Lombard last competed for Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA in 2023, stopping Chris Sarro in the first round. He also went 3-1 in BKFC, with his lone loss coming to Lorenzo Hunt. However, he’s coming off a brutal 19-second knockout loss to James Cannon at DBX 3 (watch highlights).
The good news? Romero is staying put — and still headlining against fellow UFC veteran Alex Nicholson.
Romero (16-7) hasn’t competed in MMA since defeating Thiago Santos on the PFL vs. Bellator card in early 2024; however, the 48-year-old has stayed incredibly active across multiple disciplines. He’s notched knockout wins in Dirty Boxing, made a successful stop in BKFC. Most recently, he dropped a decision in a bare-knuckle bout overseas.
Nicholson (16-11) hasn’t won a fight since September 2024, when he knocked out former UFC fighter Zac Pauga. “The Spartan” is currently 1-2 in Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA, knocking out Prince McLean in his debut but then getting stopped by Chase Sherman and Frank Tate.
Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA goes down this weekend in Miami, and it is free on YouTube.
To checkout the latest bare knuckle-related news and notes click here.
