Both Timmy Cuamba and Roberto Romero were looking for their first victory inside the octagon when the featherweight pair clashed early on the UFC Kansas City preliminary card on Saturday.
Romero had made his promotional debut on short notice, taking on David Onama at UFC 309 last November. Cuamba had dropped his first two outings in the UFC, making his return on Saturday all the more crucial.
Early on in the opening frame on Saturday, it was Romero looking for a takedown, driving Cuamba into the fence to get it. That led to a bit of a stalled position, with the crowd quickly voicing their displeasure. Cuamba briefly got his back off the fence but was soon back on it, Romero showing a slight edge in the physicality department. They’d battle it out some more; a knee then landed low on Romero, leading to a break in the action. Back underway, Cuamba and Romero both let their hands go. Cuamba mixed in kicks, Romero had occasion to land a right hand or two, and the rest of the round played out on the feet.
Round two opened with a USA chant and saw some action on the feet play out early as fans got behind Timmy Cuamba. Romero however was able to find a home for his right hand, but in the back half of the round, he was bloodied and rocked! Already wobbly, Romero ate a kick up high, the head kick hurting him further. Then came a jump knee that was perfectly timed by Cuamba! Romero dropped like a sack of potatoes, and Timmy Cuamba had a highlight reel win to celebrate after a few more punches!
Official Result: Timmy Cuamba def. Roberto Romero by TKO (flying knee and punches), Round 2, 3:55
