Will
09-27-2007, 01:03 AM
The Nevada State Athletic Commission has fined Renato “Babalu” Sobral $25,000 for initially refusing to break a chokehold on opponent David Heath at UFC 74, but the commission did not hand down a suspension.
The NSAC announced the news yesterday.
On Aug. 31 the NSAC voted unanimously to withhold $25,000 — the equivalent of Sobral’s “win bonus” (he earned an additional $25,000 to “show”) — until a subsequent hearing in which the commission could decide on the punishment. That hearing came yesterday.
After dominating much of the Aug. 25 fight, Sobral secured a fight-ending anaconda choke in the second round. However, after Heath tapped, Sobral refused to break the hold, even as referee Steve Mazzagatti tugged on his arm. Three to four seconds passed before Sobral finally broke his grip. Sobral told the sold-out crowd at the Mandalay Bay Events Center that he wanted to “teach (Heath) a lesson” for disrespecting him during the previous day’s weigh-ins.
The fight was a preliminary match and did not air on the night’s telecast.
The UFC terminated Sobral’s contract after the fight, and MMAjunkie.com has learned the fighter is currently seeking new management.
Its better than nothing, but I still feel like the NSAC should have done more. Although a suspension really wouldn't matter much to a guy who doesn't have a job or a manager.
The NSAC announced the news yesterday.
On Aug. 31 the NSAC voted unanimously to withhold $25,000 — the equivalent of Sobral’s “win bonus” (he earned an additional $25,000 to “show”) — until a subsequent hearing in which the commission could decide on the punishment. That hearing came yesterday.
After dominating much of the Aug. 25 fight, Sobral secured a fight-ending anaconda choke in the second round. However, after Heath tapped, Sobral refused to break the hold, even as referee Steve Mazzagatti tugged on his arm. Three to four seconds passed before Sobral finally broke his grip. Sobral told the sold-out crowd at the Mandalay Bay Events Center that he wanted to “teach (Heath) a lesson” for disrespecting him during the previous day’s weigh-ins.
The fight was a preliminary match and did not air on the night’s telecast.
The UFC terminated Sobral’s contract after the fight, and MMAjunkie.com has learned the fighter is currently seeking new management.
Its better than nothing, but I still feel like the NSAC should have done more. Although a suspension really wouldn't matter much to a guy who doesn't have a job or a manager.