Cody “Pablito” Verret Returns to Face Edward Romero at AKA 57
After more than four years away from mixed martial arts competition, Cody “Pablito” Verret is stepping back into the cage.
Verret will face Texas fighter Edward Romero at American Kombat Alliance 57 on August 15 at Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana.
Representing Gladiators Academy in Youngsville and fighting out of Cow Island, Louisiana, Verret enters the matchup with deep ties to the Acadiana community. He attended Vermilion Catholic High School in Abbeville and is also known locally as the owner of Pablito’s Pit Stop.
Now, Verret is returning to competition for the first time since January 2022.
A Return Years in the Making
Verret enters AKA 57 with a 4-5 amateur MMA record, continuing to build one of the more exciting résumés in Louisiana’s regional MMA scene. All four of his amateur victories have come by finish, a testament to his aggressive, fan-friendly style inside the cage.
He began his amateur career in April 2019 with a first-round guillotine choke victory over Ghazi Khan at Bayou FC 36. Three months later, he secured another first-round submission, defeating Nick Burge by rear-naked choke at Atlas Fights 36.
Verret earned his third career victory in May 2021, stopping Anthony Molson by first-round TKO at Gulf Coast MMA 10. Most recently, he added another impressive finish by defeating Luc “Skywalker” Mazar, improving his amateur record to 4-5 heading into AKA 57.
His career statistics continue to reflect the aggressive style that has defined his career. Every one of Verret’s four victories has come by finish, and none of his nine completed amateur bouts have gone the distance. Whether on the feet or on the ground, “Pablito” has consistently looked to end fights before the final horn.
Most recently, Verret earned a victory over Luc “Skywalker” Mazar, giving him positive momentum as he prepares to compete under the AKA banner once again.
AKA 57 marks Verret’s first completed MMA appearance in more than four years.
Edward Romero Arrives on a Two-Fight Winning Streak
Standing across the cage will be Edward Romero, a Texas fighter representing Species MMA who enters the matchup with a 3-3 amateur record and victories in each of his last two appearances.
Romero most recently competed on March 6, 2026, defeating Jake Lira by first-round TKO in just 32 seconds at Elevate Fight Night 13.
Before that, he earned a unanimous decision victory over Michael Garza at Elevate Fight Night 7 in April 2025.
Romero’s first amateur victory also came by quick stoppage. In August 2022, he defeated Quener De Leon by TKO just 18 seconds into the opening round.
Two of Romero’s three victories have come by knockout or technical knockout, while his third came by unanimous decision. His three defeats have all come by submission.
Romero travels to Louisiana looking to extend his winning streak to three and make a statement inside the AKA cage.
Two Fighters at Different Points in Their Journeys
This matchup brings together two fighters arriving at AKA 57 under very different circumstances.
Verret is returning after a long absence, carrying the experience of eight completed amateur bouts and the support of fans from Cow Island, Abbeville, Youngsville, and throughout Acadiana.
Romero enters as the more recently active competitor, riding a two-fight winning streak and coming off the fastest victory of his amateur career.
For Verret, the fight represents a fresh chapter and an opportunity to remind fans why his aggressive, finish-oriented style made him such an entertaining regional competitor.
For Romero, it is a chance to continue building momentum and earn a victory in Louisiana against a respected South Louisiana fighter.
Both men have demonstrated the ability to end fights early. Combined, they have earned five stoppage victories, including three first-round knockouts or technical knockouts and two first-round submissions.
When the cage door closes on August 15, the questions surrounding Verret’s return and Romero’s momentum will finally be answered.
Cody “Pablito” Verret meets Edward Romero live at AKA 57, August 15 at Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana.