Nearly two years after announcing his retirement, the legendary Renato Babalu anounced his return to MMA. The light-heavyweight will face Volkan Oezdemir in the main event of Strength and Honor Championship, on April 11th, in Switzerland.
With victories over the likes of Mauricio Shogun , Chael Sonnen and Robbie Lawler, Babalu, 39 years old, is a former Strikeforce champion and has also fought for the UFC – he was dismissed from the organization after holding on to a submission for too long. The Brazilian had announced retirement in 2013 after two defeats at Bellator.
Since then, Sobral has taught at his Babalu’s Iron Gym in Cerritos, Calif., and focused on BJJ. Owner of a 2nd degree BJJ black belt, Babalu competed in various IBJJF tournaments in the Gi. Last year he also competed at Metamoris 3 grappling event where he fought Dean Lister to a draw.
The opponent of Babalu, is Volkan Oezdemir a Swiss-Turkish fighter who also fought in Bellator and has a record of 11 wins and only one loss.
Renato Babalu Sobral talks about a possible match with Chael Sonnen at the upcomming Metamoris 6. No date has been set for the event yet.
