'Babalu' Arrested!

Pictured Left: Sobral's mug shot for the Tampa County Police.

UFC Star Renato 'Bababu' Sobral has seemingly had nothing but bad luck surrounding him as of late and things got even worse for the Brazilian on the 14th of July 2007, when he was arrested and released on $1000 bond. Early reports suggest the incident leading to his arrest involved a confrontation with bouncers at the Hardrock Hotel/Casino in Tampa, Florida, where he allegedly spat on a bouncer. He has been officially charged with Battery and Trespassing.

After his first lose to Chuck Liddell at UFC 40 Sobral went on a impressive streak, amassing 10 consecutive wins all across the world, including wins over the likes of Mauricio Rua, Jeromy Horn and Mike Van Arsdale. These performances would earn him a shot at Chuck Liddell's UFC Light HeavyWeight title and a chance at redemption. From here things go down hill for Babalu rather quick. He would once again prove no match for Liddell at UFC 62, losing via TKO 1:35 secs into the first round. His next fight, against Jason Lambert at UFC 68, would start off much better for the Rio De Janiero native. Sobral would dominate until late in the first round when a upper cut from Lambert dazzed the Brazilian. Sobral never recovered from the blow but did manage to hang on for a while, eventually being knocked out late in the second round. The Lambert loss is widely regarded as one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.

These last two performances are far from what fans have come to expect from Sobral, who has been a consistent force in MMA for years now. Right now it seems his position with the top Mixed Martial Arts organisation in the world is at jeoperdy. One or two more similar performances could see 'Babalu' fighting in smaller organisations and for much less pay all over again.

This arrrest can only serve to tarnish Sobral's reputation and act as a embarassing distraction from his proffessional pursuits. The alleged incident itself seems very uncharacteristic of Sobral, who is respected by and respectful to collegues and fans alike. Sobral is yet to make a official statement regarding his recent arrest.

Link to official Florida police arrest details: http://www.hcso.tampa.fl.us/pub/default.asp?/Online/qdisp/bn=07045179