"Babalu" wins strikeforce light heavyweight MMA title

Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral defeated Bobby Southworth by TKO to become Strikeforce light heavyweight champion in the co-main event of the promotion’s “Destruction” card on Friday night.  Despite leaving with the belt around his waist, it won’t be the centerpiece of ‘Babalu’s’ highlight reel with the way it transpired.

A -350 wagering favorite despite his challenger status, Sobral was expected to use his world class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skills and vast experience against superior competition to dominate the tough but limited Southworth.  It didn’t happen that way, as Southworth easily got the better of things in the first round. Southworth’s style isn’t exactly one that provides Wanderlei Silva type excitement—he looks to use his strength and conditioning to control his opponent en route to a decision victory.  While the result makes him something of a MMA equivalent to boxing’s John Ruiz, it does afford him the best chance of victory.

The first round displayed Southworth’s style in microcosm, with much of the frame spent pushing ‘Babalu’ up against the cage or on the ground inside his guard not really doing much.  Sobral had one effective strike the entire round—and it would decide the fight. During a clinch against the cage wall the challenger rocked Southworth with a hard elbow strike that not only busted his nose but opened a huge cut over his right eye. 

Upon seeing the gusher of blood Referee John McCarthy brought the ringside physician over to take a look.  The doctor took some time to examine the cut, but eventually the round resumed following the consultation with only a few seconds remaining.  As Southworth’s corner futilely worked on the gaping wound during the break the doctor once again took a look and better realizing the severity and placement of the cut recommended to McCarthy that the fight be stopped.  The veteran official complied, awarding Sobral the TKO victory and the championship belt.

Sobral is scheduled to fight Matt “The Law” Lindland at Affliction’s “Day of Reckoning” event on January 24th.  A rematch against Southworth is likely for a Strikeforce event tentatively scheduled for March.