Yoel Romero, Anthony Johnson predict explosive clash in Bellator 258 grand prix bout

Yoel Romero and Anthony Johnson both appear to be more than ready for a highly anticipated and high-stakes clash at Bellator 258.

Romero (13-5 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) and Johnson (22-6 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) are closing in on their quarterfinal pairing in the Bellator light heavyweight grand prix, which takes place May 7 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

When Bellator was putting together the tournament, it was expected the two new signees would be making their debut as part of the field. There was an urge to see them paired up immediately, and Bellator obliged.

Needless to say, both men are pumped, and Romero thinks it’s a defining bout for his career.

“It’s a very special time,” Romero said during Wednesday’s Bellator 258 virtual press conference. “To be in this grand prix is very good for me. This is an incredible matchup. ‘Rumble’ Johnson is an amazing fighter. When I see ‘Rumble’ Johnson, I see in this division as the top guy. There are many good athletes in this division: Jonny (Jones), ‘DC’ (Daniel Cormier), Tito Ortiz. You need to put his name in this list.”

Romero will be moving to 205 pounds for the first time since September 2011. After long competing as a middleweight, he said the additional 20 pounds has him happier and healthier as fight night draws near, and he expects to have a more energetic performance when he steps in the cage.

When he does step in, it will be a scene no one could’ve anticipated years ago. It’s pure fantasy matchmaking, but when Romero parted ways with the UFC and Johnson did the same after coming out of retirement, the stars aligned.

Such an unexpected fight between two athletic and devastating knockout artists has generated a lot of excitement, and Johnson said it’s palpable.

“I can feel it, man,” Johnson said. “It’s definitely out there. My (social media) is blowing up. The buzz is definitely out there. I don’t know who is more excited, me or the fans. Just to have a great fight in a great organization with a great opponent, this feels like a dream come true.”

Johnson and Romero have both stood across from some of the most dangerous and decorated fighters in the sport’s history. Multi-division UFC champions, future UFC Hall of Famers and more are commonplace on their respective resumes.

They both agree this is as unpredictable a fight as they’ve ever been involved with, though, and Johnson in particular knows he can’t look past this fight for even a second, despite knowing a title shot against champion Vadim Nemkov awaits the winner in the semifinal round.

“I got my hands full,” Johnson said. “I give Yoel that title: Yoel is the most dangerous fighter I’ve actually faced.”