The Ultimate Fighting Championship has fired Renato "Babalu" Sobral for his actions at UFC 74, holding onto his choke hold even after his opponent, David Heath, tapped out.
But while
Babalu issued a statement saying he was sorry for the damage he did to the sport of mixed martial arts, this shouldn't be over just yet. The Nevada State Athletic Commission should impose a long suspension on Babalu, preventing him from fighting with other mixed martial arts organizations. Unfortunately, NSAC executive director Keith Kizer
indicates that won't happen.
"I've looked at the tape a lot. While I do believe there was some intent here, I don't think this rises to the level of some other things we've seen [i.e. the infamous Mike Tyson ear-biting attack on Evander Holyfield in 1997]."
I'm not so sure I agree: Biting your opponent's ear can't kill him; refusing to let go of a choke can. Babalu should be banned from the sport.
UFC Fires Babalu, Now Nevada State Athletic Commission Must Act - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog