Pros react after Yoel Romero TKO’s Melvin Manhoef at Bellator 285

Tonight’s Bellator 285 event was co-headlined by a highly anticipated light heavyweight bout between Yoel Romero and Melvin Manhoef.

Romero (15-6 MMA) was returning to action for the first time since scoring a TKO victory over Alex Polizzi this past May at Bellator Paris. That victory had snapped a four-fight losing skid for ‘The Soldier of God’, as Romero previously suffered a string of decision defeats to Robert Whittaker, Paulo Costa, Israel Adesanya and Phil Davis.

Meanwhile, Melvin Manhoef (32-16-1 MMA) was taking to the cage for the final time in his storied career this evening in Dublin. ‘No Mercy’ had last competed in November of 2020, where he suffered a TKO loss Corey Anderson. Prior to that, the feared Dutch striker was coming off back-to-back wins over Yannick Bahati and Kent Kauppinen.

Tonight’s Bellator 285 co-main event resulted in another strong showing from Yoel Romero. ‘The Soldier of God’ was able to score a knockdown in the opening round from a low kick to left hand combo and appeared to slightly edge out round two. Then, in round three, Romero got the fight to the floor and proceeded to unload some nasty punches and elbows on Manhoef. The referee was eventually forced to step in and call a stop to the contest.

Official Bellator 285 Result: Yoel Romero def. Melvin Manhoef via TKO (elbows) in Round 3

Check out how the pros reacted to ‘Romero vs. Manhoef’ below:

Melvin Manhoef went pro in 95 & I was only a year old salute to a 27 year combat sport career and one of the best knockout fighters ever

— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) September 23, 2022

Legends in the cage @MelvinManhoef – @YoelRomeroMMA 👊🏼👊🏼 #Bellator285

— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) September 23, 2022

I’m ready for Romero & Manhoef I’m all about that action if Romero brings the fire and doesn’t play it safe

— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) September 23, 2022

Post-fight reactions to Yoel Romero defeating Melvin Manhoef at Bellator 285:

J'ai l'impression qu'il est plus fort qu'à l'UFC @YoelRomeroMMA INCROYABLE la facilité #RMCMMA #Bellator285 https://t.co/Kkaojqmjcl

— Fernand Lopez (@fernandlopez) September 23, 2022

Big respect to both Yoel and Melvin 🙏

— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) September 23, 2022

Melvin @Team_Manhoef, you are one of my favorite fighters ever and it has been an absolute honor to promote you. Thank you for all the great memories over the years #Bellator285

— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) September 23, 2022

Win, lose or draw, @Team_Manhoef always left it all in the cage 👏

Thank you, Melvin, for such an incredible career! #Bellator285 pic.twitter.com/pWDzUvnUAa

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) September 23, 2022

.@YoelRomeroMMA is a bad man… #Bellator285 pic.twitter.com/tnGiPlGneF

— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) September 23, 2022

Who would you like to see Yoel Romero fight next following his TKO victory over Melvin Manhoef this evening at Bellator Dublin? Share your thoughts in the comment section PENN Nation!