At UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas, Brazilian fighter Igor Severino made headlines for all the wrong reasons when he was disqualified for an egregious act during his flyweight bout against Andre Lima. The 20-year-old Severino shocked viewers and officials alike when he bit Lima on the arm during a clinch against the cage in the second round.
Referee Chris Tognoni promptly halted the fight, leading to Severino’s disqualification and Lima being declared the winner. This unexpected turn of events sparked widespread condemnation and raised questions about sportsmanship and conduct in the octagon.
In the aftermath of the biting incident, UFC President Dana White swiftly took action, announcing Severino’s release from the organization. White expressed disappointment in Severino’s actions, highlighting the missed opportunity for both fighters, who were regarded as promising prospects in the sport. White emphasized the severity of Severino’s actions, noting the potential repercussions with the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Meanwhile, Andre Lima, the victim of Severino’s bite, demonstrated resilience and humor in the face of adversity. Lima shared images of himself getting the bite mark tattooed, turning a negative experience into a statement of strength. In a gesture of appreciation for Lima’s handling of the situation, White announced a doubled fight bonus of $50,000. Lima, speaking after the fight, recounted the incident and expressed his frustration at Severino’s unsportsmanlike conduct.
Despite the controversy surrounding Severino’s disqualification, the event also saw notable performances from other fighters. In the main event, former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas secured a victory over Brazilian Amanda Ribas by unanimous decision in their flyweight clash. Additionally, on the undercard, British heavyweight Mick Parkin emerged victorious against Mohammed Usman, the brother of former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, in a compelling matchup that showcased the diversity of talent in the UFC.
