Mike Perry’s Dirty Boxing Championship (DBC)—co-owned by UFC legend Jon Jones—made its highly anticipated debut in Miami, and two familiar faces from the MMA world made headlines. Former UFC stars Yoel Romero and Andrei Arlovski proved that age is just a number, securing statement wins in the inaugural event.
Romero Turns Back the Clock With Knockout Victory
At 47, many fighters are long retired, but not Yoel Romero. The “Soldier of God” stepped into the ring against towering former Bellator heavyweight Ras Hylton and delivered a knockout finish in the third round, showing he still possesses the devastating power that made him a feared opponent in his prime.
Despite his age, Romero looked sharp and aggressive, stalking Hylton throughout the fight. His explosive striking and durability were on full display, reminding fans why he was once one of the most dangerous middleweights in the UFC. Hylton, who entered the fight with a 10-8 record, struggled to keep up with Romero’s pace, eventually crumbling under the Cuban’s relentless attacks.
Jones, watching from ringside, erupted in excitement as his fellow veteran put on a show. With this win, Romero has now added another highlight-reel finish to his career, but how much longer can he keep competing at this level?
Arlovski Ends Three-Year Drought With Brutal Stoppage
In the co-main event, 46-year-old Andrei Arlovski returned to the winner’s circle in dominant fashion. Facing Terrance Hodges, a fighter with a 2-7 record, Arlovski was expected to win—but it was how he did it that made headlines.
The former UFC heavyweight champion controlled the fight from the start, using his experience and technical striking to break down Hodges. In the second round, “Pitbull” landed a vicious elbow that opened up a deep cut on Hodges’ forehead. Blood gushed from the wound, covering the mat as Hodges leaned forward in pain. The ringside doctor had no choice but to stop the fight, giving Arlovski his first finish in 10 years.
For a man who has fought some of the biggest names in MMA: Alistair Overeem, Francis Ngannou, and Tom Aspinall—this win might not have been the most prestigious, but it was an important one for his confidence. Arlovski now moves to 1-0 in Dirty Boxing and is set to compete in the Global Fighters League (GFL) next, showing no signs of retiring anytime soon.
Fighters Holding On to the Past or Proving a Point?
Romero and Arlovski’s victories have sparked debate—are these fights truly meaningful, or are they just opportunities for aging fighters to stay in the spotlight? Both men defeated opponents who weren’t exactly top-tier threats, and some critics argue that these wins do little to prove they can still compete at a high level.
However, combat sports have changed. More fighters are extending their careers beyond what was once thought possible, capitalizing on new promotions, hybrid rulesets, and crossover fights. With legends like Francis Ngannou moving into boxing and Conor McGregor teasing multiple comebacks, the fight game is evolving into a world where age and retirement are no longer clear-cut.
For Romero and Arlovski, this is more than just about making money—it’s about proving they still belong. Whether they have another big fight left in them or not, one thing is certain: fans still love watching these legends go to war.
