Igor da Silva Cut from UFC Roster Following Disqualification for Biting

Andre Lima picks up the win over Igor Severino due to a DQ from Severino, who bit Lima’s arm 😳 #UFCVegas89 pic.twitter.com/NQTJuSh9G3

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 23, 2024

A clash of highly-touted flyweight debutants met an unfortunate end due a blatant foul on the preliminary card at UFC on ESPN 53.

Undefeated Dana White’s Contender Series graduates Igor da Silva and Andre Lima met in the second fight of the card, setting the standard high early on with fast-paced action. Both fighters went toe-to-toe from the very onset, splitting the judges’ scorecards for the first round. The second round continued to show all the promises of a barnburner before Lima complained of da Silva biting him in a clinch position.

Referee Chris Tognoni paused the contest and called in the cageside doctor to inspect. A deep bite mark could be seen on Lima’s left bicep, leading to da Silva getting disqualified at the 2:52 mark of Round 2. This marked the first disqualification due to a bite in the history of the promotion.

Igor Severino vs. Andre Lima at #UFCVegas89 ends in a rare disqualification for BITING. Wild. pic.twitter.com/LXL7X9ZR96

— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohn) March 23, 2024

Shortly thereafter, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed to KevinIole.com that da Silva would be immediately cut from the promotion for his actions in the Octagon.

"Those were two up-and-coming undefeated fighters. If you get frustrated and want out of the fight, there are plenty of ways to do it, but the worst thing you can do is bite your opponent,” White said. “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.”

As far as potential sanctions, Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Jeff Mullen simply said, “We’ll see.” Meanwhile, Lima would go on to receive a $50,000 “Bite of the Night” bonus for his efforts.