Written by David Onama | Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
David Onama is staying on UFC 309.
Officials announced Wednesday that newcomer Roberto Romero (8-3-1) has signed on to fight Onama (12-2) on the preliminary portion of this Saturday’s event in New York on less than a week’s notice. Romero replaces Lucas Almeida, who was forced off the card due to medical issues, according to UFC.
Romero’s management was first to make the signing public.
We’re very pleased & excited to announce that #TeamIridium beast Roberto Romero is taking his talents to the @ufc’s Octagon & will debut Saturday at #UFC309 ✍ #TheDarkside pic.twitter.com/t4hN0CgaNi
— IridiumSportsAgency (@TeamIridiumISA) November 13, 2024
Onama was originally scheduled to fight Almeida at 145 pounds, but the new matchup will be contested at 155 pounds to accommodate the last-second change.
Romero, 24, was a standout in Combate Global, winning six of his eight fights for the promotion. Most recently, he finished Takahiro Ashida via first-round rear-naked choke this past July.
Onama has emerged as an intriguing name in the featherweight division. He is coming off of back-to-back wins over Jonathan Pearce and Gabriel Santos, and has won four of his past five fights.
UFC 309 is headlined by heavyweight champion Jon Jones defending his title against the returning Stipe Miocic.
Main card (ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET)
Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler
Viviane Araujo vs. Karine Silva
Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop
Prelims (ESPNews/FX/Hulu/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET)
Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee
David Onama vs. Roberto Romero
Prelims (ESPN+/Hulu/UFC Fight Pass at 6 p.m. ET)
Marcin Tybura vs. Jhonata Diniz