In a jaw-dropping turn of events at UFC Vegas 89, Brazilian fighter Igor Severino etched his name into the annals of mixed martial arts history. Not for a spectacular knockout or a submission victory, but for an act that left fans and officials stunned: he literally bit his opponent, Andre Lima.
The Infamous Bite
Midway through their flyweight clash, Severino found himself clinched up against the fence with Lima. In a bizarre twist, Severino curiously buried his head into Lima’s bicep, prompting Lima to immediately protest. Referee Chris Tognoni called for a time-out and separated the two fighters. Upon checking the replay and observing the evidence left on Lima’s left arm, the bout was called off, and Severino was disqualified.
Disqualification
Severino’s actions were unprecedented. He became the first fighter in UFC history to be literally fired during a fight. The disqualification handed Lima the win, but it also cost Severino his place in the promotion. UFC President Dana White confirmed Severino’s release from the company following the incident. The bite, now infamously known as ‘bite gate,’ had severe consequences for the Brazilian fighter.
Igor Severino was disqualified from UFC on his debut Fight Night after biting his opponent , Andre Lima, on the arm during their flyweight bout.😳 pic.twitter.com/2Q4qE4ncl3
— Sports Radio Brila FM (@Brilafm889) March 24, 2024
Lima’s Bonus
While Severino faced the repercussions of his actions, Lima’s agent received an unexpected bonus. Dana White personally assured Lima’s manager, Lucas Lutkus, that he would receive the first-ever “I Got Fing Bit Bonus*.” It was a unique acknowledgment of Lima’s sportsmanship in dealing with Severino’s unsportsmanlike behavior. The bite may have cost Severino his career, but it earned Lima an unusual reward.
As the MMA community grapples with this bizarre incident, one thing is certain: Igor Severino’s name will forever be associated with biting in the octagon. Whether it’s a cautionary tale or a darkly humorous footnote, the bite at UFC Vegas 89 will remain etched in the memories of fight fans and fighters alike.
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