Yoel Romero kept his promise to Conor McGregor by celebrating his win at Bellator 285 at The Black Forge Inn.
The Cuban secured a dominant victory on Friday night when he landed multiple heavy elbows from full mount on fellow MMA veteran Melvin Manhoeff before the referee intervened.
The former UFC star winning in such one-sided fashion wasn't all that surprising but one thing that did catch people out from the fight week was the apparent close bond he has with Conor McGregor.
READ MORE: Peter Queally picked apart by Benson Henderson as Bellator lights up Dublin
So much so in fact that when McGregor realised he wasn't going to be able to return home for the card due to the hurricane in the Dominican Republic, he phoned the 45-year-old up to let him know.
Romero told The Mirror pre-fight: "He called me and told me he wasn't going to be able to make it.
"He's actually right now in the Dominican Republic and unfortunately due to the hurricane that's going on over there right now his plan was to come here and head back but unfortunately it's not doable."
Romero, an Olympic silver medalist in wrestling way back in 2000, also shared that McGregor had urged him to visit his establishment after the bout was over with and he could relax and enjoy Dublin.
He added: “One of the things I do want to say thank you to Conor for is that he’s been giving me help on being here in Ireland. A lot of thanks to Conor.
"He’s offered cars, he’s offered his gym, and he’s invited me to his restaurant. I appreciate that a lot from a fellow fighter.
"After the fight, I’ll go to his restaurant. He’s just been keeping an eye on me and making sure I’m okay. Right now, the focus is just purely on Melvin.”
Romero wasn't the only ex UFC star to show his pedigree at The 3Arena either as in the main event Benson Henderson outclassed Waterford native Peter Queally.
Queally did make it to the final bell but all three judges scored the contest 49-45 in favour of the American who once held the lightweight belt in MMA's premier organisation.
Overall though, Irish fighters fared very well on the night as there were wins for Leah McCourt, Darragh Kelly and Karl Moore amongst others.
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