Yoel Romero’s campaign to re-establish his title credentials at 185-pounds will begin in earnest next month.
The Cuban Olympic wrestler, who was unsuccessful in two previous bouts against champion Robert Whittaker, will face Ronaldo Souza in a rematch of a December 2015 bout which was decided in Romero’s favour by a split judge’s decision.
Romero had been expected to be facing Jacare’s compatriot Paulo Costa at the event at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, next month.
News of the booking was first reported by ESPN.
Romero last competed in June in a bout against Whittaker which was commuted to a non-title fight after Romero missed championship weight by 0.2 of a pound. Prior to that, he earned a shot at the Australian’s crown by knocking out Luke Rockhold in the third round of their contest in Australia 13 months ago.
Souza, meanwhile, defeated Chris Weidman in Madison Square Garden last November. He also holds a win against Derek Brunson and losses to Kelvin Gastelum and Whittaker in his last four bouts.
