Less than two rounds into his UFC career, Brazilian newcomer Igor Severino has been released from the promotion.
Severino made his Octagon debut on Saturday night as part of the UFC Vegas 89 prelims. Squaring off with Andre Lima, both fighters were putting on an entertaining scrap when out of nowhere, Severino began biting Lima’s left bicep while clinched up against the cage wall. Lima immediately protested, prompting referee Chris Tognoni to pause the action and go to the replay.
Of course, that was nothing more than a technicality as Lima was clearly wearing the evidence on his arm.
This fight has ended early due to a disqualification.
Andre Lima remains undefeated 👊 #UFCVegas89 pic.twitter.com/0FtknYuMsD
— UFC (@ufc) March 23, 2024
Igor Severino vs. Andre Lima at #UFCVegas89 ends in a rare disqualification for BITING. Wild. pic.twitter.com/LXL7X9ZR96
— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohn) March 23, 2024
Dana White Promptly Fires Igor Severino and Gives Andre Lima an ‘I Got Bit’ Bonus
The bout was called off and Severino was disqualified just past the halfway point of the second round.
In a text message exchange with combat sports journalist Kevin Iole, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Igor Severino has been cut from the roster and will likely face some serious consequences from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
“Those were two up-and-coming undefeated fighters,” White said 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.”
According to Andre Lima’s manager Lucas Lutkus, Dana White told Lima after the fight that he would be the recipient of the first-ever “I got f*cking bit” bonus.
