Sobral Fined $25,000, No Suspension Issued
Former UFC fighter Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral has been fined $25,000 by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for his extended-choke in his submission victory over David Heath at UFC 74. No suspension was handed down.
Sobral had his $25,000 win bonus immediately withheld for the move following the bout and yesterday’s fine confirmed what most expected to happen. Though the choke didn’t have any long-lasting ramifications for his opponent, ‘Babalu’ was released from his UFC contract several days later as a result of his actions.
The submission, an anaconda choke, is a blood choke in which a hold is applied that restricts normal blood flow causing the opponent to tap out or pass out. Despite David Heath tapping out before he lost consciousness Sobral held on to the choke for several additional seconds causing his opponent to lose consciousness. With blood chokes the additional time had little effect, though had he extended a different submission, such as an armbar, significant bodily harm could have occurred.
For more on the incident check out these articles:
- Renato Sobral Issues Statement
- Renato “Babalu” Sobral Released
- $25,000 Witheld from Babalu for Extended Submission
Tags: Renato Sobral
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I am happy he didn’t get suspended. Maybe now he can go to EliteXC and fight for a belt there. Is it me or does anyone, also think that Babalu can make Middeweight? He isn’t exactly the most muscular guy for Light Heavyweight. If he can diet better and lose some body fat; he can make Middleweight and we can see him fight Robbie Lawler for the belt.
I don’t know…. In my opinion the bests light heavyweights are in UFC or Pride. So, as he is forced to try other organizations I think he can stay in this classweight. By the other way, I agree with Red: if he wants a glorious belt he has to go down to middle and in EliteXC.
If I was a promoter my first action would be signing Sobral….stealing a word from the pro wrestling, you should say he now is a “heel”, and what a heel….
Case closed on this one then, yes he did do wrong he has got punished lets all move on…….Babalu has been a great fighter in the UFC, but to me he is past his prime and with so many great Light heavy weights I dont think even if he had his contract renewed he would be a threat within the devision. especially with my “tip for the top” Mr Alexander proving he is the real deal.
I dont think he is past his prime at all? How can u say that? Because he lost 2 fights in a row? Thats bollox!
I agree mad_at_gravity. Babalu is a good fighter and he is definately still in his prime. I think he needs to sit down and focus on what he wants to accomplish in MMA. If he wants to be a champion, then he must drop to 185. Babalu at 185 is scary.