Yoel Romero got paid.

Back in 2016, Romero failed and out-of-competition USADA drug test for a substance called Ibutamoren, a growth hormone stimulate. Romero denied knowingly ingesting the banned substance, arguing that it came from a tainted supplement. USADA tested the supplement Romero took and found that it was indeed present despite not being listed on the label. As a result, Romero was only given a six-month ban from USADA.

That was not what Romero wanted though. After having his otherwise immaculate record tarnished (as an Olympic wrestler, Romero has been drug test arguably longer than any other competitor currently in the UFC), “The Soldier of God” was after a reckoning with the company that not only tainted their supplement but also tainted his good name. Now it appears he’s gotten it.

As first reported yesterday by ESPN, Romero won a lawsuit against Gold Star Performance Products in Middlesex (N.J.) County civil court. Romero filed the lawsuit in December of 2017 and as Gold Star never responded, Romero won a default judgment. Romero’s manager, Abe Kawa, has said that the judgment was for $27.45 million.

Whether Romero will actually see much of that is up for debate. Gold Star Performance Products has not communicated at all with the court which is never a good sign in legal matters. But even if he never sees a dime from them, Romero said he got what he wanted: vindication.

“I’m very happy,” Romero told ESPN. “It’s not about the money. I’m very happy now that everything is clean and more clear. You cannot live very well when you hear and you see when you post something [on social media] people reply ‘Soldier of Steroids.’ You cannot sleep very well. ... It’s very emotional and important, too, because I know I’ve never taken anything in my life.”

Romero last competed at UFC 225 in June of last year against Robert Whittaker in a would-be title fight (Romero missed weight) losing a very contentious split decision. He is now set to face Paulo Costa at UFC 241 on Aug. 17 in Anaheim, Calif.

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MUST-READ STORIES

Urijah Faber returns for UFC Sacramento fight with Ricky Simon.

Anthony Smith doesn’t ‘give a f**k what happens’ against Alexander Gustafsson.

Elias Theodorou, several others no longer with UFC.

Cage Warriors bantamweight champ Jack Shore signs with UFC.

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VIDEO STEW

The MMA Hour.

Monday Morning Analyst.

Free fights.

Five things you might now know about Alexander Gustafsson.

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LISTEN UP

The Co-Main Event. Discussing the release of Elias Theodorou and Justin Willis.

Anik & Florian. Previewing UFC Stockhom and recapping RDA vs. Lee.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Responses.

Nate got a promo.

Call out.

Signings.

Statement.

This is absolutely disgusting and not something you should brag about doing.

Farewell.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Eduardo Dantas (21-6) vs. Juan Archuleta (22-1); Bellator 222, June 14.

Urijah Faber (34-10) vs. Ricky Simon (15-1); UFC Sacramento, July 13.

Erik Koch (15-6) vs. Kyle Stewart (11-2); UFC 240, July 27.

Lauren Murphy (10-4) vs. Mara Romero Borella (12-5, 1 NC); UFC 240, July 27.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Fighters see the UFC sell for $4.2 billion: nothing. Fighters see Yoel get $27 million default judgment from a shady supplement company: let me get some of that action!.

Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.

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EXIT POLL

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