Igor Severino’s first UFC bout was also his last.
The Brazilian fighter, making his UFC debut Saturday night in Las Vegas, was disqualified from his match against countryman Andre Lima after biting his opponent during a clinch.
Midway through the second round, the fighters were entwined against the cage when Lima suddenly recoiled and referee Chris Tognoni halted the bout.
A doctor from the Nevada State Athletic Commission confirmed the bite mark on Lima’s left arm, and Severino was disqualified.
Shortly afterward, UFC CEO Dana White informed Severino that he had been released.
“Those were two up-and-coming undefeated fighters,” White told told martial arts journalist Kevin Iole via text. “If you get frustrated and want out of the fight, there are plenty of ways to do it, but the worst thing u can do is bite your opponent. Now, you get cut and lose the biggest opportunity of your life. Not to mention, he’s going to have real problems with the NSAC.”
In a battle of UFC debuts, Igor Severino just bit Andre Lima, during a clinch in the second round of their #UFCVegas89 fight resulting in a DQ win for Andre
Igor’s UFC career is likely over, as there is no place in the UFC for fighters who bite their opponents. pic.twitter.com/1DRBMC8XEf
— TrillerTV (@FiteTV) March 23, 2024
Meanwhile, Lima made the most out of the painful victory, his first in the UFC.
He immediately went out and got a tattoo of the bite — in the exact same location — to commemorate it.
White was apparently impressed enough, he posted on his Instagram story that Lima’s fight bonus for winning would be doubled to $50,000.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: UFC fighter Andre Lima bitten by opponent, gets commemorative tattoo
