Ariel Helwani of MMAfighting.com has reported that former UFC contender and personality Chael Sonnen will be squaring off against former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion, UFC veteran and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral at Metamoris 6 on May 9th in Los Angeles.
This match will be the third time the two men have competed against each other. They first faced off in MMA at Hitman Fighting 3 in Santa Ana, CA on May 2, 2003 with Sonnen walking away with a unanimous decision victory. Sobral evened the score at UFC 55 on October 7, 2005 when he submitted Sonnen with a triangle choke
Both grapplers have previously appeared in Metamoris events. Sonnen, a Purple Belt in BJJ, lost by rear naked choke to Andre Galvao at Metarmois 4, while Sobral battled Dean Lister to a draw at Metamoris 3. Sonnen is known for almost defeating Anderson Silva for the UFC Middleweight title at UFC 117 and for coaching on 2 seasons of The Ultimate Fighter. He is currently serving a 2-year suspension from the NSAC for multiple failed drug tests.
Sobral had a very decorated career in MMA with victories over Shogun Rua, Jeremy Horn, and Robbie Lawler. He challenged Chuck Liddell for the UFC Light Heavyweight crown at UFC 62. He was terminated from the UFC after after UFC 74 when he refused to release an anaconda choke on David Heath until Heath was unconscious.
Sobral, a friend and training partner of Sonnen’s bitter rival Wanderlei Silva, still holds a grudge against Sonnen based on this video.
Recent Interview with Babalu
