Universal Reality Combat Challenge standout Red “The Filipino Bolo Punch” Romero was overwhelmed by the bigger Bao Yincang of China in the Round of 16 of Road FC’s $1,000,000 lightweight tournament, Saturday afternoon at the Jangchung Gymnasium in Seoul, South Korea. The bout was stopped due to TKO with 1:48 remaining in the second round.
The pairings were determined via a random draw. Ultimately though, Romero (12-7) was on the unlucky end, as Bao (11-2-1) held an imposing 16 centimeter height advantage.
And the height advantage showed all throughout the bout.
Romero, a fighter out of Deftac MMA, tried to keep distance against Bao, even landing a huge left early in the bout. However, the 23-year-old boxer remained calm and collected, imposing his will on the former URCC Featherweight Champion by securing a take down with 1:57 left in the round. Romero was able to kip back up and get a take down of his own a minute and 22 seconds later, but the Filipino hardly did any damage on his opponent while on top as time expired.
Again, Romero tried to keep distance from his opponent in the second round by going for a bevy of kicks but Bao gladly exchanged. A left overhand by Bao knocked Romero down 27 second in the round but the Chinese fighter did not follow it up, allowing Romero to stand up. Much to both fighters’ surprise, Romero landed a spinning back elbow but slipped upon connecting, leading to Bao following him down. Romero tried to hang on but huge power shots by Bao opened Romero’s defense, which he then followed with a fury of hammerfists that led to referee Herb Dean to stop the bout.
Romero qualified in the tournament after defeating Indian fighter Rahul Raju during URCC Fight Night: Battle of Extreme Superstars last January 28.
