Renato "Babalu" Sobral returns to the MMA scene, but this time he’ll be looking to take on the Brazilian Mauricio Alonso at HCF (Hardcore Championship Fighting). The Canadian organization was rumored to have signed up Babalu not too long ago. We can finally say that has indeed inked a deal with HCF and already has a scheduled bout for May 10th.
The former UFC contender was recently dismissed from the Ultimate Fighting Championship and fined $25,000 USD when he held on a choke that was considered inappropriate to the MMA sport. Babalu faced David Heath at UFC 74-respect and submitted him via an anaconda choke. When the referee told Babalu to let go of his choke, Babalu held his position. He was immediately released from his contract in August and didn’t fight again until December. His only fight since his dismissal was against Rodney Faverus at a PFP-Ring of Fire event that took place in Manila, Philippines.
There will be a more detailed announcement made during the HCF event that will be held on March 29th. In that fight card, there will be top competitors performing including former UFC fighters David Loiseau, Gideon Ray and Hector Ramirez.