Renato Sobral, a.k.a Babalu
Country of origin:
Brazil
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 205
Birth date: 1975-09-07
Record: 29-7-0
Profile:
Renato "Babalu" Sobral is a Brazilian MMA fighter from Rio de Janeiro. He has fought some very tough opponents, including Fedor Emelianenko. He holds wins over Trevor Prangley, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, and Maurice Smith. His debut in the UFC was way back in 2000 at UFC 28.
The nickname "Babalu" is said to arise either from a Brazilian chewing gum which is called “Bubbaloo” or the Brazilian name for the character “Baba Looey” from the Hanna Barbera cartoon “Quick Draw McGraw”.
In August 2007 Renato Sobral fought David Heath and won by catching Heath in an anaconda choke. Sobral did not let go of the choke after Heath tapped and kept Heath unconscious for three to four seconds after the referee told him to unlock the choke. The Nevada State Athletic Commission retained $25,000 (half of Sobral's fight purse) in response and UFC commissioner Dana White released Sobral from his fight contract.
Babalu Sobral was promoted to black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2008.
Fights on MMAPredictions.com:
- David Heath lost to Renato Sobral in UFC 74: Respect
