After Igor Severino took a bite out of Andre Lima’s arm in their UFC on ESPN 53 fight, the Nevada Athletic Commission did the same with Severino’s pay.
All of it.
The NAC withheld Severino’s entire purse after he was disqualified for biting Lima in the second round of their bout this past Satuday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed the news to MMA Junkie on Monday following an initial report from MMA Fighting. The person requested anonymity.
It’s unknown how much money Severino was scheduled to make for the fight as the NAC does not disclose fighter purses.
News of Severino’s purse being withheld comes on the heels of UFC CEO Dana White announcing that Severino, who earned his first UFC contract through Contender Series last year, would be released.
“Those were two up-and-coming undefeated fighters,” White told MMA reporter Kevin Iole. “If you get frustrated and want out of the fight, there are plenty of ways to do it, but the worst thing u can do is bite your opponent. Now you get cut and lose the biggest opportunity of your life, not to mention he’s going to have real problems with the NSAC.”
Severino is likely to receive a heavy fine and lengthy suspension for his actions when the NAC holds its monthly meeting in April.