Ricardo Romero (fighter)

Ricardo Romero (born April 15, 1978) is an American professional mixed martial arts fighter. He was a featured competitor on multiple occasions for the Ring of Combat promotion which featured on HDNet Fights and also competed for their Light Heavyweight title. Romero was also a competitor in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

A native of South Brunswick, New Jersey, Romero wrestled while at South Brunswick High School.

Early career
After going 5–0 in the promotion, Romero fought Glen Sandull for the vacant Ring of Combat Light Heavyweight championship. Midway through the second round, Romero caught Sandull with an illegal soccer kick and was disqualified, handing him his first ever professional loss, whilst also gifting Sandull the title.

Five months later, Romero returned against Brendan Barrett in a fight to declare the number one contender to the belt Romero missed out on. Romero won via submission (rear naked choke) after 0:44 of the second round.

Romero next faced future Ultimate Fighter and UFC competitor James McSweeney which once again aired on HDNet Fights. Romero won his second successive submission victory via rear naked choke.

This was followed by a victory over The Ultimate Fighter 8 competitor Karen Grigoryan and Romero once again won, this via TKO (punches) in the second round. This win earned him the Light Heavyweight title.

Romero fought twice more for the Ring of Combat, defending his ROC Light Heavyweight title, winning both by submission (one by kimura, one by keylock).

Bloodyelbow also declared him a "rising star" in their list of desired fighters for the UFC Light Heavyweight division.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Romero joined the UFC in June 2010 and was set to face former World Extreme Cagefighting Light Heavyweight champion Steve Cantwell at UFC 116. However, despite receiving medical clearance, Cantwell had to withdraw and the bout was cancelled. Romero instead faced Seth Petruzelli at UFC 116 on the live prelim show on Spike TV. In the second round, Romero caught Petruzelli in an armbar that injured his arm forcing him to tap, giving Romero the win.

Romero faced Kyle Kingsbury on February 5, 2011 at UFC 126. He lost the fight via TKO due to strikes just 21 seconds into the first round.

Romero faced James Te-Huna on September 24, 2011 at UFC 135. He lost the fight via KO only forty-seven seconds into the first round.

After the loss, Romero was released from the promotion.

Bellator
Romero was then scheduled to make his Bellator debut against Tim Carpenter at Bellator 65. However the fight was cancelled prior to the event for unknown reasons.

Personal life
Romero has two sons, Jackson and Beau. He currently resides with his wife, Sarah Reinbold, and their family in South New Jersey.

Mixed martial arts

 * Ring of Combat
 * Ring of Combat Heavyweight Championship (One time)
 * Ring of Combat Light Heavyweight Championship (One time)
 * One successful title defense