Sherdog’s Top 10: Bloodiest Battles

Renato “Babalu” Sobral did not take kindly to disrespect from David Heath. | Sherdog.com

3. Renato Sobral vs. David Heath
UFC 74 “Respect” -- Aug. 25, 2007
Mandalay Bay Events Center | Las Vegas
After suffering a third-round technical knockout loss to Jacob Noe -- his second straight TKO defeat -- at Bellator 96, the Brazilian known as “Babalu” laid his gloves down in the center of the cage and called it a career. Over the course of 48 professional fights, time had taken its toll on the former UFC and Strikeforce title challenger, but not before he was able he was able to leave a lasting imprint of violence on Heath, who made the mistake of insulting his foe prior to UFC 74.

Sobral received all the motivation he would need at the weigh-ins, when Heath allegedly disrespected his veteran opponent. The Oklahoman would pay dearly for his transgressions. Sobral’s assault turned vicious early in the second round, when he dragged Heath to the canvas less than 30 seconds into the period. A relentless barrage of elbows and hammerfists would follow, and as the Brazilian continued to pound away, Heath’s blood leaked into his eyes and spattered on the floor, partially obscuring the Xenergy advertisement on the canvas.

To add insult to injury, Sobral held on to the fight-finishing anaconda choke for several seconds after eliciting a tapout, drawing boos from those in attendance. Not only was Heath painted red, but he was also briefly unconscious.

“I did what I did because this guy’s a pretty young fighter, and I’ve been in this game eight years,” Sobral said. “He called me mother [expletive]. He has to learn respect. He deserved that s---.”

Number 2 » Choke-Aid