Yoel Romero is one of the most physically intimidating fighters in the MMA world.
During his time in the UFC, his freaky athleticism and godlike physique made people question whether he was using PED's (Performance-Enhancing Drugs). Fighters like Michael Bisping even accused him of using steroids. Nonetheless, Romero has never been convicted of using steroids.
Back in 2016, Romero tested positive for Ibutamoren, a growth hormone, and the USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) suspended him for 6 months. However, 'Soldier of God' vehemently denied the claims, saying he did not take the substance intentionally. Later, Ibutamoren was found in his supplement - a product of Gold Star Performance Products.
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Yoel Romero sued the company in a lawsuit that he ended up winning in 2019. The lawsuit was worth $27.45 million. The Cuban has a chiseled body that seems too good to be purely natural. It is important to note, however, that he has been competing for decades and is also a former Olympian, which can be a factor in his unreal physique. Being a UFC fighter, he was also in the USADA testing pool for years but never popped up for anything on the agency's radar.
Despite his physique and power, the Cuban was unable to get his hands on the UFC championship. He is currently fighting for Bellator in the light heavyweight division.
Yoel Romero clears his PED accusations on The Joe Rogan Experience
A few years ago, Yoel Romero appeared on the JRE alongside Joey Diaz , who acted as his translator. While on the show, Romero addressed PED allegations and also discussed his 2016 suspension by USADA. He reiterated that he did not know he was taking a banned substance. He also went on to explain the reason for his 'freak' physique.
Romero claimed that even the commonfolk in Cuba look more or less like him, something that people will have to visit the Island county to understand. According to Yoel Romero, the genetic makeup of Cubans is extraordinary:
"Joe, you know many times I think, after this happened [failed drug test], I thinking...take a people, say okay...come to Cuba for maybe 20 days. I want the people to see, because the genetics for Cuba, not for the athletic people, normal [people]."
Take a look at the video: