Igor Severino replicated Mike Tyson’s infamous act but saw his UFC journey come to an abrupt end.
Severino made his UFC debut in Las Vegas on Saturday night, where he was disqualified for biting his opponent, Andre Lima, and subsequently released from the organization.
The 20-year-old Severino was engaged in a heated battle with fellow Brazilian Lima when the incident took place.
In the middle of the second round, as the fighters were pressed against the cage, Lima signaled referee Chris Tognoni after feeling the bite.
Referee Tognoni halted the fight, and a doctor from the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) confirmed the bite mark on Lima’s arm.
The match was immediately called off, concluding at 2:52.
This defeat was Severino’s first in his career (8-1), leaving his future in mixed martial arts uncertain.
Lima, also in his UFC debut, maintained his undefeated record at 8-0.
Shortly after the event, Dana White informed reporter Kevin Ior that Severino would be let go.
White conveyed his disappointment, saying, “Those were two up-and-coming undefeated fighters. If you feel frustrated and want to quit, there are many ways to handle it, but biting your opponent is the worst choice. Now, Severino faces the consequences of losing this significant opportunity. Serious repercussions lie ahead.”
In a notable boxing event on June 28, 1997, Tyson infamously bit off part of Evander Holyfield’s ear during their rematch following Holyfield’s victory in 1996.
This incident marked a shocking moment in boxing history, reminiscent of Severino’s recent disqualification.
In a 2022 podcast episode on Check in to Big U’s podcast, Tyson discussed his ventures in the cannabis industry, including selling ear-shaped cannabis gummies inspired by the Holyfield incident.
Tyson recalled the aftermath, “I was fined 3 million yen for that, but I could have made 30 million after that happened. From that bite. Do you know how important that was to people!”
Severino, however, is unlikely to see similar benefits from his actions.
