One man’s loss of flesh is another man’s gain, despite some meaty folly. No…not Dr. Hannibal Lecter fighting off the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Here’s talking about ex-UFC biter (fighter) Igor Severino, who made his OKTAGON MMA debut.
Severino (now 9-1) met former two-time bantamweight champion Jonas Magard (17-6), December 29th, at OKTAGON 65 from O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic. But with memory serving right, he was the guy to bite fellow debutant Andre Lima‘s biceps during UFC on ESPN 53 during a takedown. Now, unlike the heat-of-moment gnaw, he has taken that Hannibal Lecter mentality to a more sale-worthy gimmick.
[The bite] became viral worldwide, …News channels that had nothing to do with MMA were talking about it, so now I’m using that to my advantage…I have the mask, I’m having some fun — but it’s just a joke, that won’t happen again [laughs]…
Igor Severino to Guilherme Cruz for MMAFighting on SBN (🎥: @guicruzzz)
For the uninitiated, the story is based on characters and elements from Thomas Harris’s novels: Red Dragon in 1981, Hannibal in 1999, and Hannibal Rising in 2006. It sheds light on the dynamics between Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special investigator Will Graham and the cannibal Hannibal Lecter. Igor Severino (9-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) pulled the ultimate move of desperation, which saw the DWCS alum out of the roster. Not as dire but dangerous nonetheless.
Igor Severino is embracing Hannibal Lecter gimmick after being suspended for biting his opponent 😨
(🎥 @guicruzzz) pic.twitter.com/WqWnt2ue9U
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) December 28, 2024
🇧🇷 Welcome to OKTAGON MMA, Igor Severino! #OKTAGON65
📺 | DAZN | RTL+ pic.twitter.com/sOF8gCZKmo
— OKTAGON MMA (@OktagonOfficial) December 29, 2024
Severino bit the inside of his fellow Brazilian’s left bicep loop at around 2:52 of R2. Prompting Lima to scream in pain and inform referee Chris Tognoni. Additionally, he incurred a nine-month suspension and $2,000 fine from the Nevada Athletic Commission. He now has a marketable Europe stint. He plans a return to the North American circuit in the future — even rejoining the UFC one day.
Bite-sized victory: Ex-UFC biter enjoys his pound of flesh, wins split decision in OKTAGON MMA debut
The final OKTAGON MMA event took place (Sunday 29/12) at the O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic. Before the finale of three championship fights to close the show, former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) flyweight Igor Severino came out on top.
Igor Severino won big at OKTAGON MMA debut (Source: X)The world of MMA has seen its share of Hannibal Lecters, including UFC welterweight veteran Claudio Silva. Additionally, cannibals too, like UFC 125-pound champion Alexandre Pantoja. But Severino decisioned his rival – a “Shark” to keep the bite puns on to win big at OKTAGON MMA. It was all through pure merit.
Igor Severino takes the split decision against Jonas Magard. He lays his teeth down in the cage. #OKTAGON65 pic.twitter.com/qQxGD3OME0
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) December 29, 2024
The fight was competitive and came down to the third frame. Severino won the first round handily, only for Magard to fight back, taking the second. Magard battled the third round strongly but eventually decided to go for a takedown. It cost him the fight as Severino cued in a takedown reversal and finished the fight on top, landing strikes.
The 21-year-old demanded a title shot immediately after his triumph, and the attention he has attracted could be his. UFC again? No one knows for now. It’s all the opportunities he can chew on, all bite puns fully intended!
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