A disturbing allegation has emerged in the world of combat sports, as former BKFC bantamweight champion Alberto Blas is accused of attempting to kill MMA veteran Yoel Romero with a sword during a violent confrontation in Miami back in 2022.
The incident, which only recently resurfaced publicly, reportedly began as a heated argument between Blas and Romero that escalated outside into a parking lot. According to a video posted by the YouTube channel Ragdoll MMA, an anonymous source detailed that Blas allegedly tried to strike Romero twice with his vehicle. When that failed, he is said to have exited the car, retrieved a sword from the trunk, and attacked Romero—inflicting cuts to his arm and hand.
Romero was hospitalized with a tendon injury in his hand, a detail later confirmed by sources to MMAmania.com. The police were called, and Blas was arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery, and assault. Although Romero reportedly attended all court hearings, he did not testify during the proceedings. In December 2024, Blas was acquitted on all charges by a jury.
The incident adds further context to BKFC’s recent decision to cut ties with Blas. In a press statement issued through Sportal, the promotion announced that it had terminated its relationship with the fighter due to repeated instances of unprofessional behavior. The organization stated that while Blas had been an impressive competitor in the ring, his actions outside of it were at odds with the values of discipline, respect, and accountability that BKFC upholds.
BKFC President David Feldman emphasized that the decision to release Blas was not made lightly, explaining that multiple violations were involved and that the integrity of both the organization and the sport had to be preserved. Feldman noted that although the promotion wishes Blas well in his future endeavors, maintaining professional standards remains a top priority for BKFC.
Blas’ departure has left the bantamweight (135-pound) title vacant. The organization has yet to announce who will compete for the now-open belt, but it has reaffirmed its commitment to showcasing world-class talent that embodies the professionalism and resilience associated with bare-knuckle fighting.
This case has sparked renewed discussions in the MMA world about athlete accountability and conduct outside the ring. With Romero recently signing with BKFC before the incident became public knowledge, the controversy highlights the growing importance of background checks and behavior monitoring within combat sports organizations.
