Anthony Romero Record: 12-3-0

Contender Series and regional titles

In August 2020, Romero earned a decision win over Mike Breeden on Dana White's Contender Series, one of the highest-profile wins of his early career and a sign he belonged on bigger stages. He followed it with a decision over the 11-6 Zach Juusola at LFA 96 later that year. Romero kept rolling through the Fury FC promotion, beating Nico Echeverry by decision and stopping Kenneth Glenn with a spectacular second-round flying knee in 2022 – a highlight finish that showcased the creativity behind his "Genius" moniker.

PFL and the top tier

Romero's path to the major leagues ran through the PFL. He won a unanimous decision over Tony Caruso at the PFL Challenger Series in February 2023, impressing but ultimately missing out on a season contract. Stepping up in competition, he was knee'd to a third-round loss by former PFL champion Olivier Aubin-Mercier at PFL 6 in June 2023, a tough but instructive test against elite opposition. He returned in 2024 against the seasoned Sergio Cossio, dropping a decision in another high-level PFL bout. Even in defeat, Romero showed he could hang with established names at the sport's upper levels.

Fighting style

Romero is a technical, decision-oriented fighter who wins on the strength of his volume and ring craft. Eight of his 12 victories have come on the scorecards, against three knockouts and a single submission, for a 33% finish rate that reflects a control-and-points game rather than a hunt for the early stoppage. His striking background in kickboxing gives him crisp, varied weapons – the flying-knee finish of Kenneth Glenn being the flashiest example – while his jiu-jitsu keeps him safe in grappling exchanges. His losses have come against the best opposition he has faced, where he was edged on the cards or worn down, marking the line he is still working to cross at the elite level.

Career highlights

• Dana White's Contender Series win — defeated Mike Breeden by decision on the UFC's prospect showcase.
• Flying-knee knockout of Kenneth Glenn — a creative second-round finish at Fury FC 60 that captured his inventive, high-IQ style.
• PFL competitor — tested himself against former champion Olivier Aubin-Mercier and other top lightweights on the sport's biggest non-UFC stage.