Yoel Romero returns against David Branch at UFC on Fox 28:

Yoel Romero looks to earn a second title tilt.

Cuban Olympic silver medalist Yoel 'Soldier of God' Romero returns to the octagon for the first time since his Interim Middleweight title loss to Robert Whittaker, when he takes on former WSOF multiple division champion David Branch in a three round contest at UFC on Fox 28 in Orlando, Florida. Romero last lost a unanimous decision to 'Bobby Knuckles' back at UFC 213 in July, while Branch seen his impressive 11 fight win streak ended by former Middleweight champ Luke Rockhold after the talented striker and grappler stopped the New York native in the second round.

One of the most terrifying, naturally talented and explosive mixed martial artists in the history of the UFC's Middleweight division, Yoel Romero shot up the rankings of the UFC when he arrived on the scene in 2013, starching Clifford Starks with a brutal flying knee before notable victories over Derek Brunson, a controversial decision over Tim Kennedy, a narrow split decision over Jacaré Souza, a mauling of Lyoto Machida and a second flying knee KO of Anderson Silva slayer Chris Weidman back at UFC 205 earned the 40 year-old a shot at gold. This match up with Branch more than likely puts the kibosh on any potential meeting with fierce rival Michael 'The Count' Bisping, who infamously ripped up the Cuban flag at UFC 213 before throwing it in the direction of the Cuban born Romero.

Another naturally gifted athlete, David Branch recovered from a mediocre time in his premier UFC run in the now defunct World Series of Fighting promotion, winning both the inaugural Middleweight and Light Heavyweight crowns in the process. Branch displayed eye catching performances over Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu monster Vinny Magalhaes, Yushin Okami, Paulo Filho and finally Louis Taylor before his second stint in the Ultimate Fighting Championship began. Returning against Polish striker Krzysztof Jotko in a close decision victory, Branch then served as the welcoming party for the returning Luke Rockhold, and despite landing some decent shots early on, Rockhold forced the tap from Branch in the second round after utilizing his often overlooked BJJ to set up dominant ground and pound to snap Branch's 11 fight climb.

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