It was a fight few people were talking about and yet one with huge consequences for the UFC's middleweight division when Ronaldo Souza did battle with Yoel Romero at UFC 194 last night (Sat., Dec. 12, 2015).
And although a new contender was decided, the fight was not without controversy.
Although the judges handed the split decision victory to the Cuban, the vast majority of media scoring the event saw it for the former Strikeforce champion, "Jacare".
To read the full Ronaldo Souza vs. Yoel Romero fight recap click here.
Souza opened up the first round with front kicks while stalking the elusive Romero, who was light on his feet except when planting and trying to throw bombs. It seemed as though Souza might win the first round until late when "Soldier of God" landed a spinning backfist that sent the Brazilian sprawling.
Romero swarmed for the finish but Souza defended well, despite enduring some ground and pound. It was a clear round victory for the former Olympian.
However, Souza managed to shake out the cobwebs between rounds and returned to take control of the fight in the second and third rounds, including a takedown in the third round that seemed to definitively seal the deal. It looked as though "Jacare" would finally get his desired title shot.
The judges didn't agree with the majority of viewers, handing Romero the victory via scores of 29-27, 29-28 and 28-29.
For complete coverage of the entire UFC 194: "Aldo vs. McGregor" fight card, including post-fight recaps and analysis, click here.