Newport Beach, Cali. – Bellator Fighting Championships continues to bolster its already impressive roster as the promotion has announced the signing of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Renato “Babalu” Sobral to its Light Heavyweight roster. Still recovering from a hand injury suffered earlier this year, “Babalu” will make his Bellator debut in the Season 8 Light Heavyweight Tournament, which will air on Spike starting in January.
“Babalu is an awesome addition to the Bellator family,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “He’s beaten some of the greatest fighters in the sport, and poses a tremendous threat to every fighter in our Light Heavyweight Division. From a fans perspective, he’s incredibly exciting to watch, and I’m expecting big things from Babalu in January on Spike.”
As the proud owner of an impressive 37-9 record, including submission victories over Chael Sonnen, Mauricio Rua and Travis Wiuff, “Babalu” has big things in mind when he steps inside the Bellator cage.
“I’m really happy to be a part of the Bellator family,” Sobral said. “This is my new home, and I can’t wait to get into the tournament. My only wish was that it could all be in one night, but I don’t think we can do that, so I’ll just put one more tournament under my belt, and I’m going to take this opportunity and get my shot at the Bellator World Title.”
